A number of recent market-opening measures in major developed country markets, especially AGOA, present a unique and time-limited opportunity for southern African economies to benefit from large increases in investment and employment in the textile and garment sector. This could redress past failures of many countries to participate fully and competitively in global markets. Regulatory reform and liberalization of trade and investment over the past decade have increased the attractiveness of southern Africa as an investment location. American garment buyers support AGOA because they see southern Africa as a competitive source of supply for the US garment market. Further liberalization and integration in SADC could increase the region’s attractiveness.