Publication

Drawing on analysis of firm-level competitiveness constraints and US trade capacity building programs, this paper outlines a number of policy recommendations on how to increase US support for trade-based development in Africa. The recommendations include: 1) revising the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) eligibility requirements to include business environment criteria; 2) establishing a centralized policy body, with appropriate budgetary authority, to focus US trade related programs; 3) increasing USAID support for regional bodies that are supporting integration and harmonized policies; 4) protecting and expanding funding for the Millennium Challenge Corporation; and 5) increasing support, through multilateral and other bilateral vehicles, for electricity and transport infrastructure.