By providing new market opportunities, AGOA has helped bolster economic growth, promoted economic and political reform, and improved U.S. economic relations in Sub Saharan Africa. 35 countries are eligible for AGOA benefits in 2022. 13 countries are currently not eligible. In 2015, Congress passed legislation modernizing and extending the program to 2025. However, AGOA still today needs to be better understood by the potential beneficiaries, either African Exporters or U.S. Importers.
TSPs are integral to demystifying and informing the public about a significant policy and its benefits for Africa exports to the U.S. The aim is to recruit 50 TSPs in Africa and 20 in the USA within 3-6 months from the start of the project. The AGOA Experts objective is to recruit AGOA Technical Service Providers (TSP) in AGOA eligible countries and the U.S. These are members or staff members of Associations and/or Organizations where there is interest in training their members, and more broadly the various exporters or importers on all the benefits of AGOA.
A typical such Association is a Country Export-Import Association or a Chamber of Commerce. Their members are already exporting or importing and will benefit from an embedded TSP who will answer questions related to AGOA documentation, Certificates of Origin, Customs and C-Tpat requirement, HTS codes. Depending on the type of Associations, TSP will receive a training related to the products exported from this country.
Additionally, specifically in the U.S., an emphasis is placed on recruiting diaspora organizations. Recognized organizations such as CBP (Customs and Border Protection), WRAP (Social Compliance), AWEP (African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program) may also contribute to some of the trainings as distinguished participants.
Specific training documentation will be supplied by the VLA team. All trainings are provided at no charge to participants. After completing the 4 training modules and other supplemental orientation, each TSP will receive a certificate and be linked to firms in his/her country/zone of influence/sector by the VLA team.
*Will incorporate co-presentation if feasible, e.g. WRAP VP on WRAP compliance
Applications Review and Interviews
Announcement of Successful Applicants
U.S.-based Trainee Sessions: 12th to 15th June at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm EST (Monday- Thursday)
U.S.-based Trainee Sessions: 16th June at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST (Friday)
Africa-based Trainee Sessions in English: 19th to 23rd June at 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm EAT (Daily)
Africa-based Trainee Sessions in French: 19th to 23rd June at 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm EAT (Daily)
AGOA experts will maintain a helpdesk for the duration of the project. The contact email for the TSP helpdesk is help@vlafrica.com
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