At Shona EPZ, a garment factory in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, the tension is palpable as the deadline for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) approaches. Once a symbol of success for US-Africa trade relations, Agoa grants certain African goods duty-free access to the US market. However, its impending expiration has created anxiety among the factory's 700 employees.
Joan Wambui, a worker at Shona EPZ, illustrates the stakes involved. After only six months on the job, her income has become vital for her family's well-being. With her four-year-old daughter and two siblings in college, Wambui's fear of job loss is not just about her own future but about providing for those who depend on her. If Agoa expires, where shall we go? she asks, voicing the uncertainty felt by many.
The garment factory's production has already declined due to reduced orders, as clients hesitate to place long-term commitments while the trade law remains uncertain. Factory director Isaac Maluki warns that without an extension, layoffs could become necessary, potentially reversing years of investment and economic progress.
As countries like Kenya scramble to negotiate a renewal, the broader implications of Agoa's expiration could affect employment across Africa. Originally designed to encourage trade over aid, Agoa has facilitated significant exports and job creation in sectors crucial for African economies. Experts emphasize that both African nations and the US must adapt their approaches to trade for better mutual benefits.
With discussions ongoing at the diplomatic level and negotiations for potential trade deals, the immediate needs of laborers like Wambui remain urgent. We have ideas and the drive to make a difference. We just need support to show our potential, she concludes, reflecting a desire for sustained opportunities amid an uncertain future.
