The United States of America and the Republic of Togo will co-host the U.S. - Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, also known as the AGOA Forum in Lome, Togo August 8-10. Senior government officials from the United States and 38 Sub-Saharan African nations, as well as representatives from Africa’s Regional Economic Communities will discuss ways to boost economic cooperation and trade.
The theme of this year’s Forum is “The U.S. and Africa: Partnering for Prosperity through Trade.” Officials will explore ways countries can continue to maximize the benefits of AGOA and strengthen trade and investment with the United States. On August 8-9, civil society, private sector representatives, and the U.S.-sponsored African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) will host discussions on how they can contribute to strengthening economies through trade, expanding inclusive and sustainable economic growth, holding governments accountable, and the necessity of social corporate responsibility which contribute to the development of prosperous societies.
Ministerial plenaries will take place on August 9-10, led by the United States Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer with participation from senior U.S. officials from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Labor, State, and Treasury. Other U.S. government agencies will also participate including, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the National Security Council (NSC), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Export-Import Bank, U.S. African Development Fund (USADF), and the Small Business Administration (SBA). The U.S. Delegation will also include Members of the United States Congress.
AGOA legislation mandates that each year a special forum be convened to discuss issues related to the implementation of AGOA, economic cooperation, trade, and investment. The forum alternates between the United States and a country in sub-Saharan Africa, which have in the past included Mauritius, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Gabon.
