Cape Town – Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritise discussions about South Africa’s continued membership in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) during their upcoming meeting.
AGOA, a trade deal with the United States, grants certain African countries preferential access to US markets for specific goods.
However, AGOA is set to expire in 2025, and concerns are growing that the recent diplomatic dispute between South Africa and the US, triggered by an alleged arms sale to Russia, could impact South Africa’s membership.
Winde emphasised the importance of AGOA in fostering job creation, economic growth, and foreign direct investment, calling for its protection and continued expansion.
“Ahead of my attendance at the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC), this week, I have asked President @CyrilRamaphosa to add the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to the agenda,” said Winde.
South Africa’s access to AGOA is at risk. At stake are jobs and livelihoods, already hit hard by the disastrous energy crisis and poor economic stewardship by our national government.
I urge President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritise this critical issue at the council.
— Premier Alan Winde ?? (@alanwinde) May 29, 2023
He added: South Africa’s access to AGOA is at risk. At stake are jobs and livelihoods, already hit hard by the disastrous energy crisis and poor economic stewardship by our national government. I urge President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritise this critical issue at the council.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
