The United States has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another two years, preserving preferential trade access for 32 eligible African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
Gatekeepers News reports that the extension was welcomed by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), who said the move could boost mutually beneficial trade between Africa and the US. She also credited the African Union and African leaders for their persistence in pushing for the renewal.
US Congresswoman Terri Sewell, a leading advocate of AGOA, said the extension would strengthen economic ties between the United States and Africa while creating opportunities for American workers, farmers and manufacturers.
AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for qualifying products. The programme had expired in September 2025, prompting efforts in Congress to restore and extend the trade preferences.
The latest extension also allows retroactive duty-free treatment for eligible imports during the period when the programme had lapsed, meaning importers may claim refunds for duties paid on qualifying goods.
