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Solidarity welcomes last night’s signing of an extension act by US President Donald Trump in the White House, which also extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 31 December 2028.
 
This extension provides essential economic security to industries across sub-Saharan Africa.
 
Solidarity notes with concern, however, the ongoing debate in Washington over South Africa’s future eligibility for AGOA. South Africa’s exclusion will have a devastating impact on important local industries, particularly the automotive and agricultural sectors, and will put thousands of specialised jobs at risk.
 
Solidarity therefore strongly urges the White House to keep South Africa on the list of eligible countries. Solidarity launched a targeted campaign several months ago to promote South Africa’s continued inclusion in AGOA.
 
“Our campaign has focused on direct engagement so far. This includes visits to the White House and the US Congress, as well as the submission of comprehensive economic impact studies highlighting the mutual benefits of bilateral trade and AGOA in particular.
 
“We will intensify these efforts in the coming days and weeks as the White House finalises the list of eligible countries for 2027,” says Jaco Kleynhans, head of public liaison at Solidarity.
 
Solidarity has also addressed misperceptions about South Africa’s investment climate in Washington over the past year and emphasised the commitment of the South African labour force to international trade standards.
 
“We believe constructive engagement, rather than exclusion, is the only way to protect jobs and promote economic growth.”

Issued by Solidarity