Kenya: TradeHub conducts national AGOA Strategy review workshops
From November 22-23, the Hub collaborated with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to conduct stakeholder workshops on home décor and fashion accessories, textile and apparel, and coffee.
Participants discussed the supply constraints that can hinder exports and developed sector action plans to mitigate those constraints.
They also refined the Hub-supported end-market analysis draft reports designed to help Kenyan businesses take advantage of U.S. market opportunities through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
In order to change the “handicraft” narrative of the past, we as a country and producers are responsible in telling the “made in Kenya” brand story behind the “artisanal” process of our products,” said Anthony Mulli from Katchy Kollections.
The Hub and Ministry of Trade will incorporate feedback from the workshops into the final Kenya National AGOA Strategy.
"Full implementation of the AGOA Strategy for the apparel market can absorb a lot of the workforce and create jobs across the board," said Wagura Kamwana, The Textile Loft
The AGOA Strategy will create a focused approach on how to enhance exports to the U.S, bridging the gap that has been identified in the past 17 years,” Abel Kamau, Kenya Association of Manufacturers.
The Hub is committed to supporting increased exports from Kenya to the U.S. under AGOA. As part of this support, and following a request from the Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives, the Hub has completed supply-side and end-market analyses that will help Kenya position its products in the U.S. market.