Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan delivered opening remarks at the United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum (AGOA Forum) at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on July 11, 2018.  Enacted in 2002, AGOA aims to expand U.S. trade with sub-Saharan Africa, promote inclusive development and economic growth, foster a higher level dialogue in trade and investment related issues, encourage economic integration, and facilitate sub-Saharan Africa’s integration into the global economy.  "Over the last year, total U.S. trade with Africa climbed up to 38.5 billion dollars...up from 33 billion in 2016," noted Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan. "And the total non-oil goods trade has more than doubled from $13 billion to almost $30 billion a year.  This growth has benefited both U.S. and African companies and contributed to economic opportunity and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic."  

Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan highlighted the USAID regional Trade and Investment Hubs in Africa, saying that the Hubs "are breaking down barriers to commerce every day.” He went on to describe how USAID has partnered with 20 U.S. firms to increase the competitiveness of Africa’s growing shea industry, connecting 16 million African women to global markets while helping U.S. firms create jobs in the U.S. AGOA also supports the development of apparel industries that employ thousands of African workers in Eastern, Western, and Southern Africa.  Read more about the 2018 AGOA Forum here. 

In Eastern, Western, and Southern Africa, AGOA supports the development of apparel industries that employ thousands of African workers.