The complete guide to understanding the U.S.-sub-Saharan African trade relationship analysis and opinions on the Ghanaian implementation of the African growth & opportunity act (AGOA) -- a case study /

by Noble, Keith Edward.

The Complete Guide To Understanding The U.S.-sub-Saharan African Trade Relationship: Analysis and Opinions On The Ghanaian Implementation Of The African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA)—A Case Study By Keith E. Noble This dissertation examines the scope of trade relations between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa—a relationship that since 2000, has largely been shaped by the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA). That is to say, the utility of this, the most ambitious trade agreement between both the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa, will be analyzed in order to determine if AGOA has substantially diversified and has expanded the trade relationship between these two trading partners. Specifically, the research reported herein is divided into four parts. The first reviews the current academic literature on PTAs. The second examines the origins, structure, and the processes by which AGOA has been implemented throughout sub- Saharan Africa. The third examines the impact that AGOA has had on U.S.-sub-Saharan African trade relations. Lastly, the fourth explains (1) Ghana’s position in the world economy, (2) the history of Ghana’s trade relations with the U.S., and (3) the state of AGOA implementation in Ghana to date. The analysis of how AGOA has been implemented in Ghana was conducted by the use of a specially designed Ghanaian-AGOA survey. Interviews were conducted with U.S. and Ghanaian government officials and private industry representatives. The research revealed that the three most common problems cited by respondents explaining Ghana’s inability to successfully use AGOA as a means to reach the vast American market included low capacity, poor infrastructure, and the lack of Ghanaian expertise with regards to U.S. trade laws. The research also revealed that to a large degree, Ghanaians do not believe that that AGOA will substantially alter Ghana’s trade position with the U.S. in the near term. The dissertation concludes by recommending African nations to place capacity building as one of their highest priorities in terms of economic development. It also highlights several export-oriented sectors within the Ghanaian economy that have the potential to be competitive in international markets. The Complete Guide To Understanding The U.S.-sub-Saharan African Trade Relationship: Analysis & Opinions On The Ghanaian Implementation Of The African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA)—A Case Study