Two-year extension preserves duty-free access to US market
The US Senate has approved a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), preserving duty-free access for more than 1,800 products from eligible African countries until December 2028.
Trade programme extended
AGOA has been a key part of US-Africa trade relations for 25 years, allowing the United States to import billions of dollars worth of goods, including cars, clothing and other products, from 32 sub-Saharan African nations without tariffs.
The current agreement was due to expire at the end of September, making the extension important for African businesses that rely on exports to the US market.
Relief for African exporters
The extension is expected to provide greater certainty for businesses and industries that depend on AGOA to remain competitive in the American market.
US Senator Raphael Warnock, who helped secure the extension, said the measure would lower the cost of everyday goods and support the economic stability of US partners.
Other trade programmes extended
The legislation also extends two similar US trade programmes for Haiti.
These include the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership and Encouragement (HOPE) programme.
The Senate’s decision now provides African exporters with continued access to preferential trade terms as governments and businesses prepare for the programme’s longer-term future.
