Ethiopia are newbies and with their forex control - their horticulture industry has been struggling - Kenya is a different kettle fish - and I expect to see the numbers ramping up quickly. In any case it great to diversitfy from UK/Netherland - and try other markets including US, China, Japan and etc.
AGOA - we need to take full advantage of that.
But I think more importantly this direct flight will make Nairobi the Capital magnet from the likes of Wall street & Silicon valley - directed towards Africa - Nairobi was already well established as HQ or stepping stone to Africa - and with direct flight - we will continue to cement this position.
American tourists were already dislodging Brits & Germans in Kenya - and this direct flight - will really help in that regard.
This is good move - it just good to know somebody can fly to US directly - 7 hours less and probably cheaper. The economics will sort itself out.
Dislodging columbia, equador and netherlands from the us market for cut flowers will be a challenge. Ethiopia has had a direct flights to America but hasn't even been able to dent columbia and equador dominance in that market. AGOA isn't a panacea, creating competitive companies that make world class products is the solution. Bangladesh has proven that a country doesn't need preferential treatment to create competitive companies especially in garment industry.
Macadamia qualify for AGOA, the government should lift the ban on raw shell export. This is the easiest way to enter the america market without stringent FDA approvals. Then work on getting approvals and creating a sustainable brands. Ride the health eating wave in america.