The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), enacted in 2000, aimed to strengthen trade relations between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa by offering duty-free access for select products. Despite facilitating increased exports, AGOA faces criticism for excluding the African diaspora and dual citizen entrepreneurs, suggesting that its expiration might foster more inclusive trade policies.

As the U.S. implements a 10% universal tariff, East African nations face a pivotal moment. With AGOA access halted, TUKOLE Business Network (TBN) believes this is an opportunity for strategic adaptation. This 90-day window can serve as a catalyst for transformation, enabling East Africa to redefine its role in global trade.

Exploring Equatorial Guinea and Seychelles reveals their transformation from AGOA graduates to emerging economic powerhouses. Both nations have leveraged trade agreements and natural resources to enhance their economies. Equatorial Guinea focuses on oil and gas, while Seychelles capitalizes on tourism. Together, they exemplify resilience and potential in Africa's economic landscape.

Tukole Entrepreneurship builds a crucial business network for integrating new immigrants into the local economy by providing resources, mentorship, and networking to empower newcomers in business, promoting local entrepreneurship and supporting diverse ventures like tourism. By highlighting our cultural contributions, Tukole fosters an inclusive environment that enhances diversity and stimulates economic growth.

During the recent US-Africa Summit in Dallas, TX, a pivotal meeting took place in Irving, featuring Uganda's Ambassador Robie Kakonge and the East Africa Business Network (EABN) executive. This highlighted the strengthening of trade and diplomatic ties between Uganda and the US, setting the stage for significant collaborations at the upcoming EABN conference in October 2024.

Opening a Trade office by the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce is a pivotal moment for US-Tanzania relations, and the Tukole Foundation’s Business Network is ideally placed to leverage this opportunity to enhance its members' business prospects and contribute to the sustainable development of the East African community in the US.

The diaspora economy refers to the economic activities and networks formed by diaspora communities, who leverage their connections, resources, and knowledge from their current countries of residence to influence and engage with their countries of origin. This economy encompasses investments, remittances, entrepreneurship, and collaborative projects that not only generate wealth but also foster development and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the diaspora and their home nations.

TUKOLE Foundation Services (TFS) provides specialized grant writing services to empower non-profits, entrepreneurs, and community organizations in securing funding for their visionary projects. TFS offers tailored assistance in drafting proposals, navigating government grants, developing programs, and providing long-term support.

Immigration is a profound journey, marked by the excitement of new beginnings and the challenges of cultural adaptation. At Tukole, we recognize the importance of not just adapting but thriving within diaspora culture. We serve as a bridge that connects newcomers to a vibrant community, empowers them with knowledge and skills, and celebrates the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage.

The main goal for the TBN is to promote each other with the idea that these collective actions will raise the proverbial economic tide for all those that participate. We are duty bound to collaborate at all times over competing.