The United States has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another two years, allowing qualifying African countries to continue enjoying preferential, duty-free access to the US market.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), announced the development in a post on X on Thursday, expressing optimism that the extension would boost trade between Africa and the United States.
“Great to learn that the USA has granted a two year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) extending trade preferences to qualifying African countries,” she said.
“Hope this will help stimulate mutually beneficial and greater Africa-USA trade! Thanks to Congress, the Administration, and the numerous individuals and organizations that worked hard to make this happen.
“Credit also to the African Union @_AfricanUnion and African leaders for patience and persistence on this issue.”
US WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND TRADE TIES WITH AFRICA
Terri Sewell, a US congresswoman representing Alabama’s 7th District, also welcomed the extension, saying it would strengthen economic ties between the US and African countries.
“I am thrilled to announce that we were able to include the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, in the continuing resolution that passed the House today,” Sewell said.
“As the lead champion of AGOA in Congress, I am thrilled that we were able to overcome the divisiveness in Washington and extend this critically important trade programme for two years while we continue our work to modernise and expand our trade relationships with Africa.
“AGOA has been one of the most successful trade programmes in our nation’s history, opening doors for African nations while continuing to provide new opportunities for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers.”
Sewell described AGOA as “the best of American economic leadership,” saying the programme promotes opportunity, partnership and long-term investment.
“At a time when Africa’s economic importance is growing, I am glad that the United States is joining with the AGOA countries to secure a more prosperous future for us all,” she added.
The latest extension follows efforts by the US Congress to revive AGOA after the trade preference programme expired on September 30, 2025.
In December 2025, Congress advanced a bill seeking to restore the programme. The AGOA Extension Act, introduced by Jason Smith, a member of the US House of Representatives, initially proposed a three-year renewal of the programme through December 31, 2028.
The extension also provides for retroactive duty-free treatment on imports from eligible African countries from the date AGOA expired.
As a result, importers may claim refunds for duties paid during the period on goods that qualified for AGOA benefits.
On January 13, 2026, the US House of Representatives passed the bill to renew the preferential trade programme for eligible African countries through 2028.
The measure was approved by a vote of 340 to 54.
Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa are among the 32 African countries benefiting from AGOA.
