Minister of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development Ms Thoko Didiza today, hosted an agricultural sector information-sharing session on the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) in preparation for the 20th AGOA Forum set to commence on the 2nd of November 2023 in Johannesburg.
The session which took place in Pretoria was attended by the agricultural sector players, South African farmers, agribusinesses, traders, and food processors. The session was aimed at highlighting the importance of AGOA for the sector as an element for US market access for the local sector.
The session also outlined the shared Africa and South Africa's position on AGOA. The US Department of Agriculture, represented by Minister Counsellor Ali Abdi and Agricultural Attaché, presented opportunities for South African producers who are interested in exporting agricultural goods to the US market.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, through Ambassador Xolelwa Mulumbi-Peter, gave inputs on the performance of AGOA over the years, including the top three agricultural goods that have gone into the US market due to AGOA.
The information-sharing initiative was welcomed by more than 260 participants who attended the hybrid session. The attendees hailed the session saying it allows them to better understand AGOA's benefits and Africa's position in the upcoming forum.
Media enquiries:
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson: Mr Reggie Ngcobo
Cell: 066 298 0980
E-mail: MLO.Minister@dalrrd.gov.za
