Lusaka — With support from the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub, the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Honorable Christopher Yaluma, today officially launched a strategy to ensure Zambian businesses are better positioned to take advantage of the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). With the potential to increase trade between Zambia and the United States, AGOA offers duty-free access to the U.S. market from Africa for over 6,500 products and was designed to boost trade and economic growth across the continent.

AGOA is the United States’ cornerstone trade initiative with sub-Saharan Africa and a strong symbol of U.S. partnership with the region.  The 10-year extension of AGOA to 2025 offers the Zambian private sector a rare opportunity, as no previous AGOA legislation has offered such a long horizon.

“Through AGOA, we are committed to work with our Zambian government and private sector partners to strengthen regional economic integration, attract commercial investment, and promote two-way trade with the United States,” said U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Daniel L. Foote. “And we are committed to continuing our support to help ensure the brightest future possible for all Zambians.”

The USAID Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub assisted the Government of Zambia to develop its AGOA Utilization Strategy, which will prioritize key sectors and products for potential trade expansion to the United States, including textiles and apparel, leather goods and accessories, handicrafts and wood products, agro-processing (honey, cassava, legumes, beef, and fruit) and gems and jewelry.

The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry recognized the notable opportunity offered by AGOA to diversify Zambia’s industries and economy.  Readying businesses to export to the United States also prepares companies to engage in increased regional trade in order to reap the lucrative benefits of exporting to South Africa and other neighboring countries.

For more information about this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Zambia Press Office at ZambiaPress@state.gov.