JOHANNESBURG - African states are calling for the AGOA trade deal to be extended beyond its 2025 expiration date.
For three days, African trade ministers, business people, civil society and trade unions discussed the Act.
Delegates told the US administration that the uncertainty is making investors press the pause button.
Experts suggest Agoa trade is also crucial for South Africa.
In a short statement released on day one of the forum, US president Joe Biden said he had encouraged Congress to re- authorise AGOA in a timely fashion.
The decision to extend the AGOA trade agreement now lies with the US Congress.
* eNCA’s Aviwe Mtila reports.