AGOA Civil Society and Organized Labor Forum

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a key program in US economic engagement with Africa. As part of the 2024 AGOA Forum, the Wilson Center Africa Program is pleased to host the AGOA Civil Society and Organized Labor Forum on July 24, from 2-5:30PM ET, which will include panel discussions focused on how the United States and African civil society organizations, labor unions, and small business partners can collaborate to inform AGOA renewal and enhance the efficacy of the program.  

NOTE: Online RSVPs are currently available for virtual attendance only. Additional details and speakers will be added to this page on an ongoing basis. 

Opening remarks:

• Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative
• Dr. Monde Muyangwa, USAID, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Africa
• Dr. Robert Litwak, Senior Vice President, Wilson Center
• Oge Onubogu, Director, Africa Program, Wilson Center

Session 1:  AGOA: Exploring the Human Rights and Trade Nexus

Moderator:

• Gerardo Berthin, Vice President, International Programs, Freedom House

Panelists:

• Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO, ONE Campaign
• Michael Honigstein, Director, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, African Affairs, U.S State Department
• Rose Ugulumu, Program Coordinator, Business and Human Rights Tanzania

• Olúwádàre Kóláwolé, Deputy Director, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Nigeria 

   

Session 2: Advancing an Inclusive and Equitable Workforce through AGOA 

Moderator:

• Stephen Moody, Director, Office of International Labor Affairs, U.S State Department 

Panelists:

• Zingiswa Losi, President, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
• Hod Anyigba, Executive Director, Africa Labor Research and Education Institute and Chief Economist, International Trade Union Confederation-Africa 
• Matthew Levin, Director, Office of Trade and Labor Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor/Bureau of International Labor Affairs
• Emmanuel Ugboaja, Secretary General, Nigeria Labor Congress

Session 3: AGOA Accessibility and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
 Moderator:

• Witney Schneidman, CEO of Schneidman and Associates International, Wilson Center Africa Program Advisory Council 

Panelists:

• Rahama Wright, CEO, Shea Yeleen 
• Laura Akunga, Kenya Chair, African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program
• Gloria Kamanzi, CEO, Elite Afrik Partners Sarl

• Vanessa Adams, CEO & Programs Lead, Level4 International

   

Session 4: Summary, key points, and closing remarks

Speakers:

• Fred Oladeinde, Chairman, AGOA CSO Network and President, The Foundation for Democracy in Africa 
• Witney Schneidman, CEO of Schneidman and Associates International, Wilson Center Africa Program Advisory Council
• Oge Onubogu, Africa Program Director, Wilson Center 

For more insights and information on AGOA from the Wilson Center, please visit our AGOA: Road to Reauthorization Collection.