UNITED States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Africa is in a strong position to build on export earnings to the US, which have quadrupled from US$ 1 billion to US4 billion in the past decade.
Mrs Clinton also announced that the US will contribute US$2 million to the African Women Entrepreneurship Programme whose headquarters will
be in Lusaka.
Speaking when she closed the 10th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Lusaka yesterday,
Mrs Clinton said when AGOA was established in 2000, the African climate was tough for expanding trade, but by working together, the African and American people are realising the AGOA dream.
She said there has been a rise in exports of clothing and crafts from Tanzania, cut flowers from Kenya and high-end leathers from Ethiopia as well as handbags.
“This growth in trade over the past decade is an accomplishment worth celebrating, both because of what it has meant for the people of Africa and because of what it says about the possibilities that lie ahead.
She said Africa could build on this progress because although it faces many challenges, the region is more stable, more democratic and more prosperous than a decade ago.
“Thanks to the hard work of the African people, productivity has been rising,” Mrs Clinton said.
She said consumer spending in Africa is projected to grow by almost US$600 million and Gross Domestic Product by US$1 trillion in less than a decade.
Mrs Clinton said some observers were referring to Africa as the home of emerging markets, which is good for growth.
However, she pointed out that African countries have not made the most of AGOA as they only exported a handful of 6,500 products which were eligible for duty-free shipping.
She said the Obama administration will work with Congress on a seamless renewal of AGOA beyond 2015 and that the involved parties must decide whether they are willing to do what is necessary to make
the most of its benefits.
Mrs Clinton said the US is a generous nation, and aid is about helping people in developing countries to improve their lives.
She said this is why the US has embarked on a new way of doing business through AGOA, based on partnership not patronage and supporting economic growth, as opposed to giving handouts.
Mrs Clinton said the US supports efforts to forge connections for business entrepreneurs, including international trade shows and bringing a delegation of private sector investors to the AGOA forum.
She said this is the reason she will be launching the Zambia-American Chamber of Commerce in Lusaka today and that efforts will be on youth and women entrepreneurs.
Mrs Clinton said it is important to tap the energy and ideas of young entrepreneurs on how to connect with American partners.
Mrs Clinton, who announced that the US would contribute US$ 2 million to AWEP, said the logic for helping women connect to the global economy was just compelling.
“No country can thrive when half its people are left behind. Evidence shows that small and medium-sized enterprises run by women are major drivers of economic growth,” Mrs Clinton said.
She said when a woman prospers, she re-invests her earnings in her family and the positive effects ripple throughout the entire community.
Mrs Clinton said the US would invite leading businesswomen from Africa to attend a leadership programme in that country.
She also prodded Africa to enhance economic co-operation, integration and trade within the continent, as the issues have been obstacles to
sustainable growth.
Mrs Clinton said there is less trade within sub-Saharan Africa than within any other region of the world.
She said apart from problems of infrastructure, trade leaders want to protect their home-grown industries, while government leaders of smaller countries were concerned that the larger ones will gain too
much influence.
Mrs Clinton also urged African leaders to address corruption because it also exacts a real toll on development.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said AGOA must present an equal opportunity to benefit both Africans and Americans.
He said AGOA is not a talk show but a platform that brings opportunities for income generation among the people.
“If someone asks you that what AGOA is, you say AGOA is a pay cheque in people’s pockets. It’s not about conversations, it’s not about politicians. AGOA is about the people on the streets,” Mr Mutati said.
He said while the AGOA platform gives Africans access to the American market, the continent needs to maximise regional markets as well.
“A dollar is a dollar, it doesn’t matter where you get it from. If you can get it quicker from the Democratic Republic Congo than the US, then get it,” Mr Mutati stated.
He said the AGOA platform must assist in deepening regional integration.
Mr Mutati also urged local entrepreneurs to address product quality and consistency to ensure maximum benefits under AGOA.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
What was she doing in zambia? I am astonished, she would want to visit zambia , what for? I must be dreaming. Thanks
Mushota, go suck a dick if u have nothing positive to say ok? Stupid bitch!
I once went to Livingstone on our way there, a place called Monze was one of the worst places I have been to. People living in shacks- actually to call them shacks would be a compliment. Cardboard box pieces and pieces of sheet metal, if they’re lucky enough to get some. The copperbelt was worse so many people with crappy attitude, rude, crude, and hostile drivers, A place in Lusaka as well I cant remember the compound Poverty stricken, smelly, dirty.
Lusaka Oppressive police. Insane drivers. Taxi cabs where the seatbelts had been removed and they only put fuel in the care when you pay a fare(which is bizarre) The corruption, total lack of ability to sustain its own people never mind tourists.
I am going to Seville on the 24th June I want to compare these cities with poor zambia. Tks
Mushota, whoever you are. It seems you have no heart for Zambia and it’s people. Every time you speak of this blessed nation, you always on the negative.Perhaps, there is something you have against our BLESSED Xtian nation. Change, and embrace us with LOVE.
Mushota, Everytime you want to expose your inferiority complex. You will NEVER become European, If you are African, u will die African. Why pride in places that are yours.
Colonial Gabbage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James I am black I know, but i feel white inside, my comment was just an observation honey. Stop criticising and learn from me being the voice of reason.Thanks
Hahahahahaha Mushota you funny. It must really pain you to have been born Zambian. I’ll pray to God that he kills you so that you can come back as an American or Spanish from Seville
Mushota, mushota whats in yo head 2day kansi??? but yu crack my libs stillmore.
Ba LT, in the interest of attracting qualitative debates, could you please enforce your comments policy which is very clearly stated. Here is a case in point. Secretary of State of the post powerful Country in the world is visiting our land after 30years and talking about ….‘doing business based on partnership not patronage and supporting economic growth, as opposed to giving handouts.’ If your comments policy was in force, we would have had a very hot and healthy qualitative debate, but now look what you end up with on this blog. …And btw I know about satire or satirical writing or commenting very well, and this is not it at all.
#8 she is entitled to her contribution. They are interesting and as long as she is not insulting on here she is perfectly entitled to air her grievaces. This blog is got more interesting because of her. I dont like her comments on zambia. she is crazy. she has interesting comments, If you dont like it well leave. Coming
Mushota you are exposing you inferior complex yet again.
Dear #9 3rq. Please address your comments directly to LT who have put the comments policy to guide us and not to me. Clearly you thrive on talking about personalities and not issues. I don’t dwell on personalities, but suffice to say your suggestion that because I happen to agree with LT’s comments policy therefore I must leave speaks volumes about yourself.
This KA I.D.I.O.T KA MUSHOTA IS FOOLISH
Mushota every negative and evil statement you make against this beautiful country zambia let it fall back on your head, your family and descendants. Leave Zambia alone it is abundantly blessed, covered by the blood of Jesus and endowed with a people full of potential and indeed every struggle we face we shall OVERCOME IJN. Now pack your demonic foul mouth and go!!!!!!!
Let us also bless our country, our people and thank God for the good in our nation. We cannot always speak negatively about ourself. THERE IS POWER IN THE TONGUE!!! Who will respect you if you do not respect yourself and yours?
Atleast zambia has been included this time when Bill Clinton came we were not on his route , also when obama came to africa. Brown and Blair etc! So we thank God for some positive news
Mushota is married to an old fat white man!. One wonders why she hates Zambia. By the way, she works in a nursing home where she cleans old people’s “asses”. And you think you are better off there than in Zambia?
not all all zambians in the diaspora work in nursing homes,a lot of us are in respected occupations.please people be self reflective, so we can find a useful way to live a life.