Notice2026-04243
Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa
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Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 4, 2026
Issuing agencies
Trade Representative, Office of United States
Abstract
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) expects to establish a new four-year charter term and is accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as a member of the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA). The TACA is a trade advisory committee that provides general policy advice and guidance to the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy and development matters that have a significant impact on the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10668-10670]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-04243]
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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade
Advisory Committee on Africa
AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.
ACTION: Notice of renewal of the charter and request for nominations.
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SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
expects to establish a new four-year charter term and is accepting
applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as a
member of the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA). The TACA is a
trade advisory committee that provides general policy advice and
guidance to the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy and
development matters that have a significant impact on the countries of
sub-Saharan Africa.
DATES: In order to receive full consideration, applications should be
received no later than three weeks from this filing. Nominations will
be accepted after that date on a rolling basis as vacancies arise until
the expiration of the charter term, which is four years from the date
of filing.
ADDRESSES: Submissions should be sent as one PDF document to the
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Office of Intergovernmental
Affairs and Public Engagement at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#105d52483e454344423e5951405550454344423e757f603e777f66"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c489869cea91979096ea8d8594818491979096eaa1abb4eaa3abb2">[email protected]</span></a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Bang, Assistant U.S. Trade
Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement,
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#28624d4646414e4d5a066c066a49464f685d5b5c5a064d4758064f475e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e745b505057585b4c107a107c5f50597e4b4d4a4c105b514e10595148">[email protected]</span></a>, and Robert Telchin, Director for African
Affairs, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e7c414c4b5c5a006a007a4b424d4647406e5b5d5a5c004b415e00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e8ba878a8d9a9cc6acc6bc8d848b808186a89d9b9c9ac68d8798c68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 135(c)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C.
2155(c)(1)), authorizes the President to establish individual general
trade policy advisory committees for industry, labor, agriculture,
services, investment, defense, small business, and other interests, as
appropriate, to provide general policy advice. The President delegated
that authority to the U.S. Trade Representative in Executive Order
11846, section 4(d), issued on March 27, 1975. In addition, section 14
of the AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004, Public Law 108-274, 118 Stat.
829-830 (19 U.S.C. 3701 note) specifically acknowledges the TACA, which
USTR established under these authorities. With limited statutory
exceptions, the TACA is subject to the provisions of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. Pursuant to these authorities, the United
States Trade Representative intends to establish a new four-year
charter term for the TACA.
The TACA is a discretionary trade advisory committee established to
provide general policy advice to the U.S. Trade Representative on trade
policy and development matters that have a significant impact on the
countries of sub-Saharan Africa. More specifically, the TACA provides
general policy advice on issues that may affect the countries of sub-
Saharan Africa including: (1) negotiating objectives and bargaining
positions before entering into trade agreements; (2) the impact of the
implementation of trade agreements; (3) matters concerning the
operation of any trade agreement once entered into; and (4) other
matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and
administration of the trade policy of the United States. The TACA has
also traditionally advised on the implementation of the African Growth
and Opportunity Act (AGOA). It also assists in maintaining ongoing
discussions with sub-Saharan Africa trade and agriculture ministries
and private sector organizations on issues of mutual concern, including
regional and
[[Page 10669]]
international trade concerns and World Trade Organization issues. The
TACA meets as needed, at the call of the U.S. Trade Representative or
their designee, or two-thirds of the TACA members, depending on various
factors such as the level of activity of trade negotiations and the
needs of the U.S. Trade Representative.
II. Membership
The TACA is composed of not more than 30 members who have expertise
in general trade, investment and development issues and specific
knowledge of United States-Africa trade and investment trends including
trade under the AGOA; constraints to trade and investment (including
infrastructure, energy and financing); trade facilitation measures;
sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade;
trade capacity building; investment treaty negotiations; United States-
Africa investment and private sector partnerships; and implementation
of World Trade Organization agreements. Members may represent industry,
organized labor, investment, agriculture, services, non-profit
development organizations, academia, and small businesses.
The U.S. Trade Representative appoints TACA members for a term that
will not exceed the duration of this charter. Members serve at the
discretion of the U.S. Trade Representative. Individuals can be
reappointed for any number of terms.
TACA members serve without either compensation or reimbursement of
expenses. Members are responsible for all expenses they incur to attend
meetings or otherwise participate in TACA activities.
The U.S. Trade Representative appoints TACA members to represent
their sponsoring U.S. entity's interests on sub-Saharan Africa trade,
and thus USTR's foremost consideration for applicants is their ability
to carry out the goals of section 135(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as
amended. Other criteria include the applicant's knowledge of and
expertise in international trade issues as relevant to the work of the
TACA and USTR. USTR anticipates that almost all TACA members will serve
in a representative capacity with a very limited number serving in an
individual capacity as a subject matter expert. These members, known as
special government employees or SGEs, are subject to conflict-of-
interest rules and may have to complete a financial disclosure report.
III. Request for Nominations
USTR is soliciting nominations for membership of the TACA. To apply
for membership, an applicant must meet the following eligibility
criteria:
1. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
2. The applicant cannot be a full-time employee of a U.S.
governmental agency.
3. If serving in an individual capacity, the applicant cannot be a
federally registered lobbyist.
4. The applicant cannot be registered with the U.S. Department of
Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
5. The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a security
clearance or complete a background investigation and a non-disclosure
agreement.
6. For representative members, who will comprise the overwhelming
majority of the TACA, the applicant must represent a U.S. organization
whose members (or funders) have a demonstrated interest in issues
relevant to U.S. trade with Africa or have personal experience or
expertise in U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa trade.
7. For eligibility purposes, a ``U.S. organization'' is an
organization established under the laws of the United States, that is
controlled by U.S. citizens, by another U.S. organization (or
organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or entities), determined based on
its board of directors (or comparable governing body), membership, and
funding sources, as applicable. To qualify as a U.S. organization, more
than 50 percent of the board of directors (or comparable governing
body) and more than 50 percent of the membership of the organization to
be represented must be U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S.
entities. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the organization's
annual revenue must be attributable to nongovernmental U.S. sources.
8. For members who will serve in an individual capacity, the
applicant must possess subject matter expertise regarding sub-Saharan
Africa trade issues.
In order to be considered for TACA membership, interested persons
should submit the following in one PDF document to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bcf1fee492e9efe8ee92f5fdecf9fce9efe8ee92d9d3cc92dbd3ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7439362c5a212720265a3d35243134212720265a111b045a131b02">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> Name, title, affiliation, and contact information of the
individual requesting consideration.
<bullet> A sponsor letter on the organization's letterhead
containing a brief description of the manner in which international
trade affects the organization and why USTR should consider the
applicant for membership.
<bullet> The applicant's personal resume or comprehensive
biography.
<bullet> An affirmative statement that the applicant and the
organization he or she represents meet all eligibility criteria.
USTR will consider applicants who meet the eligibility criteria in
accordance with equal opportunity practices, based on the following
factors:
<bullet> Ability to represent the sponsoring U.S. entity's or U.S.
organization's interests on international trade matters.
<bullet> Knowledge of and experience in trade matters relevant to
the work of the TACA and USTR.
<bullet> How they will contribute to America First trade policies
that create new opportunities and higher living standards for American
families, farmers, manufacturers, workers, and businesses.
IV. Public Interest Determination
Pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 102-3.60(a), to establish, renew,
reestablish, or merge a q discretionary (agency discretion) advisory
committee, an agency must first consult with the General Services
Administration's Committee Management Secretariat (the Secretariat)
and, as part of the consultation, provide a written public interest
determination approved by the head of the agency to the Secretariat
with a copy to the Office of Management and Budget. In addition,
pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 102-3.35, an agency shall follow the same
consultation process and document in writing the same determination of
need before creating a subcommittee under a discretionary committee
that is not made up entirely of members of a parent advisory committee.
Information on the following factors for the committee is provided
to the Secretariate to demonstrate that renewing the committee is in
the public interest:
1. Annual Budget
$20,000.
a. Federal Personnel on a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Basis
0.17.
b. Other Federal Internal Costs
Security clearance and background investigations facilitated by the
DOJ for committee members that do not have a clearance. This would cost
around $370 per clearance for the DOJ. We do not anticipate every
committee member will need a security clearance; thus, it will be
difficult to estimate the cost.
c. Proposed Payments to Members
None.
[[Page 10670]]
d. Proposed Number of Members
Up to 30.
e. Reimbursable Costs
None.
2. If Applicable, the Total Dollar Value of Grants Expected To Be
Recommended During the Fiscal Year
None.
3. Criteria for Selecting Members To Ensure the Committee Has the
Necessary Expertise and Fairly Balance Membership
USTR will consider applicants who meet all the eligibility criteria
based on the following factors:
a. Ability to represent the sponsoring U.S. entity's or U.S.
organization's and its subsector's interests on trade matters.
b. Knowledge of and experience in trade matters relevant to the
work of the committee and USTR.
c. How they will contribute to America First trade policies that
create new opportunities and higher living standards for families,
farmers, manufacturers, workers, and businesses.
The U.S. Trade Representative strongly encourages diverse
backgrounds and perspectives and makes recommendations for members to
serve on the committee without regard to political affiliation and in
accordance with equal opportunity practices. USTR strives to ensure
balance in terms of sectors, expertise, and other factors relevant to
USTR's needs
4. List of All Other Federal Advisory Committees of the Agency
Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN),
Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) with USDA, Agricultural
Technical Advisory Committees for Trade (ATAC) with USDA, Industry
Trade Advisory Committees (ITAC) with DOC, Intergovernmental Policy
Advisory Committee (IGPAC), Labor Advisory Committee (LAC) with DOL,
Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee with
USDA, and Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC).
5. Justification That the Information or Advice Provided by the Federal
Advisory Committee or Subcommittee Is Not Available From Another
Federal Advisory Committee, Another Federal Government Source, or Any
Other More Cost-Effective and Less Burdensome Source
The trade advisory committees are an integral link between diverse
stakeholders and the U.S. Government and empowers the United States to
display a united front when it negotiates trade agreements with other
nations. The committee offers both consensus advice and input from
knowledgeable and experienced representatives of all sectors of the
U.S. economy that are affected by trade, which is not otherwise
available. Other means of obtaining these vital contributions, such as
other Federal advisory committees or sources, would not include the
full range of views represented by the trade advisory committees.
6. If the Consultation Is a Committee Renewal, a Summary of the
Previous Accomplishments of the Committee and the Reasons It Needs To
Continue
Congress established the Trade Advisory Committee system through
Section 135 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act), as amended (19 U.S.C.
2155) to ensure that U.S. trade policy and trade negotiating objectives
adequately reflect U.S. public and private sector interests.
The trade advisory committees provide information and advice on
U.S. negotiating objectives, the operation of trade agreements, and
other matters arising in connection with the development,
implementation, and administration of U.S. trade policy. At the
conclusion of certain trade negotiations, appropriate committees must
report on the effects of the proposed agreement (19 U.S.C. 2155(e)).
This committee was integral to the development of proposals related
to the Agreements on Reciprocal Trade negotiations, especially with
respect to trading partners in Sub-Saharan Africa. The committee
members help USTR to identify market-access problems, non-tariff
barriers, discriminatory foreign practices, import restrictions,
currency valuation issues, and notable others trade issues that
disadvantage U.S. exporters in international markets. Their advice and
counsel remain imperative as USTR continues to advance the reciprocal
trade negotiations.
7. Explanation of Why the Committee Is Essential to the Conduct of
Agency Business
The committee includes a broad swath of representatives of
industry, agriculture, small business, labor, service industries,
retailers, non-federal governments, nongovernmental organizations, and
consumer interests who have expertise in general trade, investment, and
development issues. This committee is a crucial resource for the United
States Trade Representative to hear stakeholder feedback and to build
support for a robust trade agenda that promotes investment and
productivity, enhances our Nation's industrial and technological
advantages, defends our economic and national security, and--above
all--benefits American workers, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers,
entrepreneurs, and businesses.
This public interest determination documents that renewing the
committee is essential to the conduct of agency business and that the
information to be obtained is not already available through another
advisory committee or source within the Federal Government.
Jennifer Bang,
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and
Public Engagement, Office of the United States Trade Representative.
[FR Doc. 2026-04243 Filed 3-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3390-F4-P
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