Without the African Growth and Opportunities Act (Agoa) exporters in many African countries would simply not have gained access to the US market, says Trade Law Association economist Eckart Naumann. Lesotho’s apparel manufacturing sector has been driven to a large extent over the past 20 years by Agoa preferences, he says. “Another factor driving the sector in Lesotho is the country’s membership of a customs union with South Africa and other regional countries, meaning they can supply the SA retail sector while operating in close geographic proximity off a much lower and less unionised cost base. But Agoa remains the key
