According to Amanda Hilligas, advisor of the African Global Competitiveness Hub, Botswana’s exports to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, have increased from US4.6 million dollars in 2002 to US20.1 million dollars in 2004. She said that although Botswana has achieved success under AGOA, the majority of exports are in the apparel sector, which is threatened due to the expiry of the system of quotas under the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, which ended in January this year. She suggests that Botswana seek ways of diversifying so that the country can continue to benefit by AGOA.

To this end the Botswana African Growth and Opportunity Forum was launched yesterday. The Forum plans to bring together stakeholders, business associations, government officials, and community leaders who have knowledge of the country’s trade-related advantages and challenges. Hilligas said she hopes these groups will establish the importance of diversification and develop a plan of action for targeting additional AGOA products.

The Southern African Global Competitiveness Hub is offering trade capacity building and trade competitiveness assistance, including support on AGOA to facilitate increased trade between Southern Africa and United States. Botswana exports very few agriculture products, minerals or metals.

Hilligas referred to the importance of the private sector in driving trade while the public sector deals with administration and the establishment of trade relations. Together, they ensure a country’s success.

Latest AGOA Trade Data currently available on AGOA.info


Click here to view a sector profile of Botswana’s bilateral trade with the United States, disaggregated by total exports and imports, AGOA exports and GSP exports.

Other regularly updated trade statistics on AGOA.info include: (click each link to view)