The Warren Sun

Representative John James of Michigan has introduced the AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act of 2024. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa, James emphasized the significance of reauthorizing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2037.

James stated, “As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, I am proud to introduce this bill that reauthorizes the African Growth and Opportunity Act until 2037." He highlighted AGOA's role in fostering a strong business environment between Africa and American businesses, which he believes will lead to economic growth for African countries and lower costs for U.S. consumers.

“The value of AGOA to the United States is clear. Fostering a robust business environment between the African continent and American business will lead to economic growth and prosperity for African countries and lower costs for consumers here in the United States," said James.

The act aims to incentivize private sector adjustments in supply chains by moving manufacturing from China to Africa. According to James, “The promise of access into the U.S. market has proven to be a major incentive for the private sector to adjust their supply chains and move manufacturing from China to Africa. AGOA has provided hundreds of thousands of jobs for African workers and has accelerated the decoupling of China from global manufacturing supply chains."

James also described AGOA as essential to U.S.-Africa economic relations: “AGOA is the anchor of the U.S.-Africa economic relationship, and this reauthorization bill will ensure that our African partners maximize their utilization from their eligibility." The legislation aims to provide broader options for assessing African countries' eligibility.

He noted that current U.S. strategy towards Africa often lacks incentives: “U.S. strategy towards Africa is too often stick without the carrot - and fails to recognize the vast economic potential of the continent." James stressed that proactive engagement is necessary: "If we do not engage proactively, we are ceding the space to our adversaries."

Passage of this bill is seen as a crucial step in strengthening U.S.-Africa relations, realizing Africa's economic potential, and protecting U.S. interests. "Passage of this bill, alongside a reauthorization of the DFC at the start of the 119th Congress, are integral steps to strengthening the U.S.-Africa relationship, realizing Africa’s abundant economic potential and protecting the interests of U.S. consumers and companies,” he concluded.