Ugandans urged to take advantage of AGOA

PIC: The US Ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac, Margaret Waithaka of the East Africa Trade and Investment Hub and a Business lady, Agnes Netunze of Sseko Design Uganda during a press briefing about African Growth and Opportunity Act(AGOA) at the US Embassy on August 10, 2016. Photos/ Abou Kisige

Agnes Netunze, the general manager Sseko Designs, has been exporting through the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) since 2009.

She has been exporting leather products such as sandals, shoes, bags and fashion accessories which have been marketed and sold through the company's website.

Netunze has sales agents in America who help with the sales and it has not been necessary for her to frequently travel to US.
"Our employment has increased from three workers to 50 today. Distribution is through our Namugongo warehouse that is linked to 400 retail outlets in U.S.A," she said.

Netunze is one of a few business people that have penetrated the US market.

US Ambassador to Uganda Deborah R. Malac has urged Ugandans to be more aggressive in taking advantage of AGOA that allows duty free exports to America.

"Many people think AGOA is a bad deal for Uganda. They say the provisions are too strict and the US does not help Ugandan firms to take advantage of the opportunity. They believe it is too difficult, that the 35% value addition requirement is too difficult. That is not true," Malac said.

David Rogers of USAID, Margaret Waithaka of the East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, the United States Ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac and Omar Farouq, a staff of  the US Embassy Kampala.

 
She made the remarks during a media briefing on AGOA and US- Uganda trade relations. The function took place on Wednesday at the US embassy in Kampala. Malac explained that there were requirements and standards to be met that make a business successful.

"With over 6,000 products allowed for exports tariff free through AGOA, Ugandan firms have opportunity to benefit and grow. We want the ministry of trade to develop a national AGOA strategy which can identify the products and the many opportunities," Malac added.