U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), renewing duty-free access for eligible African countries to the U.S. market, according to Reuters. The extension runs through December 31, 2026, restoring the programme after it briefly lapsed at the end of September 2025, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said.
AGOA, first enacted in 2000, allows qualifying sub-Saharan African countries to export more than 1,800 products to the United States without tariffs. The programme has long been a cornerstone of U.S.–Africa trade relations, supporting export-led growth in sectors ranging from apparel and agriculture to manufactured goods, based on details outlined by USTR officials.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the extension provides continuity for African exporters and U.S. businesses while lawmakers work on broader updates to modernise the framework. He added that the administration plans to engage Congress on reforms aimed at aligning AGOA with current trade and investment priorities.
Eligibility for AGOA benefits remains conditional on meeting criteria related to economic governance, the rule of law and human rights. Analysts say the extension offers short-term certainty for African exporters, though longer-term clarity will depend on whether a multi-year renewal is agreed before the new expiry date.
