U.S. Empowers Nigerian Businesses Through AGOA Workshops To Boost Access To U.S. Market
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Prosper Africa, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria and key Nigerian government institutions, hosted a two-day African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) workshop on October 21 and 22. The event aimed to empower Nigerian businesses to take advantage of U.S. market opportunities.
AGOA is a trade program that allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, to export up to 6,800 products to the United States without tariffs or export limits.
The workshop, organised with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), targeted export-ready businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, and apparel. It also included customs and trade officials. Over 200 participants received training on how to benefit from AGOA, strategies to boost exports, and practical advice on enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian products for the U.S. market.
USAID Nigeria Mission Director Melissa A. Jones highlighted the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s exports beyond crude oil. “Diversifying Nigeria’s export base is crucial to shield its economy from volatility. Nigeria is a key partner in U.S.-Africa trade, and this AGOA workshop offers a unique opportunity for Nigerian businesses to increase their presence in the U.S. market,” she stated.
U.S. Consul General Will Stevens urged Nigerian businesses to maximise AGOA’s preferential trade benefits, affirming the U.S. commitment to building long-term trade and investment relations with Nigeria.
The workshop was a response to the Nigerian government’s request during the April 2024 Bi-National Commission to provide Nigerian businesses with training on effectively utilising AGOA.
Prosper Africa, a U.S. government initiative, coordinates across 17 federal agencies to promote trade and investment between the United States and Africa. Since 2019, Prosper Africa has facilitated trade deals worth €474.04 million. The U.S. government is also sponsoring this year’s Lagos Fashion Week from October 23-27, as part of its strategic effort to enhance U.S.-Africa trade through innovation and collaboration.
