Agro related Exports from Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States under the African Growth Opportunity Act -AGOA - only accounts for one percent.

Acting Commerce Permanent Secretary, Lubasi Sakwiba has attributed the poor performance of agricultural products export into the United States market to stringent and lengthy Pest Risk Assessment which is complicated.

Mr. Sakwiba says this has discouraged a number of African Small Scale Farmers in taking advantage of the AGOA initiative.

He says in order for Africa to benefit from the AGOA process, there is need for diversification of exports into the United States market.

Mr. Sakwiba was speaking when he officially opened the First AGOA Mid Term Review meeting in Lusaka this on Wednesday.

He says there is need to enhance efforts in attracting the United States to take advantage of the investment opportunities that exist in Africa.

And African Union Ambassador, Amina Ali says there is need to ensure that AGOA is sustained and benefits Africa even after 2015.

Ambassador Ali also called on the USA to consider supporting African governments in trade infrastructure.

And UN Economic Commission for Africa Regional Integration, Infrastructure and Trade Division Director Dr. Joseph- Atta-Mensah says it is important for all African Countries to come up with a position ahead of the AGOA summit.

And COMESA Trade, Customs and Monetary Affairs Director, Dr Francis Mangeni says Africa needs to start negotiating with the USA from a point of strength as Africa has abundant natural resources.

Latest AGOA Trade Data currently available on AGOA.info


Click here to view a sector profile of Zambia'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)