Lesotho’s textile workers and industry officials have welcomed the extension of the U.S. duty-free trade programme under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), seeing it as a lifeline for jobs and exports after months of uncertainty. The one-year extension to the end of 2026 restores preferential access for African goods to the U.S. market, offering temporary relief to exporters, Reuters reported.
Textiles account for a significant share of Lesotho’s economy and employ tens of thousands of workers, many of whom were affected when AGOA access lapsed. Workers and factory owners say the renewal eases immediate pressure but falls short of providing the long-term certainty needed to support investment decisions and stable employment, based on accounts from industry groups.
Investing.com said the extension postpones uncertainty rather than resolves it, urging the United States to engage African partners on a durable trade framework that goes beyond short-term renewals. He noted that while tariffs have been avoided for now, the limited duration makes it difficult for manufacturers to plan production and expansion.
MarketScreener noted that AGOA has been central to building export-led manufacturing in countries like Lesotho, but warned that repeated short extensions undermine confidence. Many in the industry hope the latest move will reopen broader trade discussions and lead to a more predictable U.S.–Africa trade relationship that supports jobs and long-term growth.
