Author: AGOA Staff 5/23/2026 AGOA CSO Network Secretariat
AGOA CSO SPRING CONFERENCE REPORT
The 11th Annual AGOA CSO Network Spring Conference convened at a pivotal time for U.S.–Africa economic relations. As AGOA approaches its expiration on December 31, 2026, the conference united U.S. Congressional leaders, Administration officials, African Union representatives, African legislators, private-sector leaders, labor institutions, and civil society organizations to develop recommendations for AGOA’s long-term renewal and modernization.
The conference theme, Strengthening U.S.–Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation in the America First Era, was examined through three core sessions: labor and employment; investment and industrialization; and the future trajectory of U.S.–Africa trade policy.
Fred Oladeinde, Chairman of the AGOA CSO Network; Hon. Grace Neema Paininye, Deputy Questor of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Hon. Tarek Ben Youssef, Deputy Chief of Mission of the African Union Mission to the United States, provided key insights that shaped the conference’s strategic direction.
Hon. Ben Youssef presented the African Union’s position, highlighting the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the need for AGOA–AfCFTA alignment, and the AU’s request for an immediate, minimum 15-year AGOA renewal to ensure predictability for investors and exporters.
The conference concluded with a consensus that AGOA modernization and long-term renewal are vital for sustaining U.S.–Africa economic cooperation, strengthening supply chains, and promoting shared prosperity
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Opening Remarks
Fred Oladeinde, Chairman of the AGOA CSO Network and President, The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA)
The Honorable Grace Neema Painnye, Deputy Quaestor of the National Assembly, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The Honorable Tarek Ben Youssef, Deputy Chief of Mission, African Union Mission to the U.S.
Photos
| Hon. Tarek Ben Youssef, Chief of Mission, African Union Mission to the U.S.; Fred Oladeinde, Chairman. AGOA CSO Network and President, The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA); Hon. Grace Neema Painnye, Deputy Quaestor of the National Assembly, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); and Francis Shako, Coordinator, Africa Trade Development Center (ATDC) |
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| Jeremy Faber, Director of Government Affairs, U.S.-Africa Trade Desk; Fred Oladeinde, Chairman, AGOA CSO Network; Amelia Shister Graytock, International Trade Analyst, Office of Industry and Competitiveness Analysis, U.S. International Trade Commission; Jeremy E. J. Streatfeild, Director for African Affairs, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Executive Office of the President |
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Hon. Grace Neema Painnye, Deputy Quaestor of the National Assembly, DRC; Angela Paolini Ellard, Senior Advisor (non-resident), CSIS; Former Deputy Director-General, WTO; Former Chief Trade Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives; Sarah Whitten, Chief Commercial Officer, EXIM)
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Alexandra Whittaker, Staff Director, Trade Subcommittee and Chief Trade Counsel
Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives; Hon. Alwell Agbara, Chairman, Abia State Diaspora Commission, Nigeria; Hon. Nsomwe A. Nfunkwa Eustache Banza, REPACA, DRC
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| Congressman Jackson and conference delegates from REPACA, the Abia State Diaspora Commission, and AGOA CSO Network |
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The Honorable Jonathan Jackson, Congressman
1st District of Illinois
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Hon. Nsomwe A. Nfunkwa Eustache Banza, National Deputy, and President of Network of Congolese Parliamentarians for AGOA (REPACA), DRC; Fred Oladeinde; and Hon. Jonathan Jackson
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| Congressman Jackson acknowledges Chairman Oladeinde in the Congressional Record for more than twenty years of AGOA leadership. He also commends Chairman Oladeinde for advancing civil society participation in U.S.-Africa trade policy and for strengthening AGOA-related trade with sub-Saharan Africa. |
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Supporting Organizations
AGOA CSO Membership
The AGOA Civil Society Network is a consortium of non-governmental organizations, (NGOs) and other groups in the United States and Africa working to facilitate the successful application of the AGOA trade bill for the benefit of small business in the US, and Africa.
The Network was established by the 102 member organizations from the United States, Mauritius, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, Mali, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo that were in attendance during the AGOA Civil Society Forum on January 17, 2003, in Phoenix, Mauritius.
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The AGOA CSO Network’s focus is on increasing the volume and quality of African exports under AGOA and educating stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean on this trade policy and its advantages.
Become part of the solution by joining, today! click here!!!
Our heartfelt thanks to those of you that have already joined and or renewed your
membership!!! We appreciate you and your support!
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