Socha’s sentiments come as the AGOA summit enters its second day in South Africa (SA), with its neighbour Zimbabwe not represented at the event.

 Zimbabwe has had its status revoked due to bad governance, and violations of human rights.

Socha explained what countries need to do to meet AGOA’s eligibility requirements.

“To meet AGOA‘s rigorous eligibility requirements, countries must establish or make continuous progress towards establishing a market-based economy, the rule of law, political pluralism and the right to due process. Additionally, countries must eliminate barriers to US trading investment, enact policies to reduce poverty, corruption and protect human rights. Since its enactment in 2000, the AGOA Act has been at the core of US economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa,” Socha said.

--John Cassim\ChannelAfrica--