Archbishop Makgoba Urges U.S. to Save PEPFAR and AGOA, Warning of “Historical Watershed” in Africa Relations
African Religious Leader Appeals for Continuation of Vital U.S. Programs
Prominent African religious leader Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has issued an urgent appeal to the United States to preserve two critical programs supporting Africa’s economic development and healthcare systems. Speaking at a New York gala dinner, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s leader warned that 2025 could become a “historical watershed” in U.S.-Africa relations.
Programs at Risk: PEPFAR and AGOA
The two endangered initiatives are PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act). Makgoba described current times as “urgent, even desperate” for Africa-U.S. relations, highlighting how economic inequality is “metastasizing across the world like a cancer.”
PEPFAR: A Lifesaving Program in Peril
Established in 2003 by President George W. Bush, PEPFAR has saved 26 million lives through its HIV/AIDS treatment programs. With its authorization expired since March 25, health experts warn of catastrophic consequences if the program ends:
- 19.2 million people losing HIV treatment
- 680,000 mothers losing prevention services
- 13.4 million additional AIDS-related deaths
- 2.8 million new AIDS orphans
Makgoba quoted Bush’s warning that abandoning PEPFAR would “forfeit two decades of progress.”
AGOA’s Impending Expiration
The African Growth and Opportunity Act, providing duty-free U.S. market access for qualifying African nations, expires in September. Trade experts doubt renewal under current U.S. trade policies. Daniel Runde of CSIS warned that if “the AGOA ship sinks, so will the U.S. relationship with Africa.”
Impact of Trump’s Trade Policies
Makgoba highlighted Lesotho’s vulnerability to proposed “reciprocal tariffs,” noting its thriving clothing industry built through AGOA would collapse under 50% tariffs. He emphasized the impossibility for this small, least-developed country to meet reciprocal trade requirements.
The Empathy Debate
The Archbishop contrasted Elon Musk’s controversial statement that empathy is “a bug in Western civilization” with Desmond Tutu’s philosophy of human interdependence. Makgoba stressed that economic activity must serve “human flourishing” and the common good.
Strategic Implications
Citing State Department advisor Massad Boulos, Makgoba framed the issue in terms of U.S. strategic interests, noting Africa’s growing population represents vital future markets. “The lives and livelihoods of millions are at stake,” he concluded.
Source: AllAfrica