The African Growth and Opportunity Act

By a resounding margin in both the House and the Senate, Congress gave final approval in early May to the landmark Trade and Development Act of 2000, a bill that incorporates the Africa trade bill. The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act expands trade and commercial relations between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa, and lifts or relaxes U.S. import quotas of apparel manufactured in 48 sub-Saharan countries. It will put into place a viable foundation for comprehensive economic relations and a new era of cooperation with Africa. Equally important, the legislation marks the first major American trade bill enacted into law in six years.

The Corporate Council on Africa played an important role in rallying support among the business community and educating key members of Congress on the merits of the bill. Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa Ed Royce noted that "a broad coalition of business groups, NGOs and African officials had pushed this legislation. I do not believe, that this bill would have happened without the combined support of the governments and ministers from Africa and without support from the Corporate Council on Africa, which is working so diligently to put Africa on the map for US trade and investment."

For detailed information on the provisions of the bill, please consult a Working Paper prepared by CCA members Stephen Lande and Anthony Carroll, Manchester Trade Ltd., in the immediate aftermath of the bill's passage.

Understanding AGOA, a summary of the legislation

White House Fact Sheet on the Trade and Development Act of 2000

Complete Text of the Act

Official Site, the African Growth and Opportunity Act