The U.S. Congress has voted to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 31 December 2028, a move welcomed by the AGOA Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network based in Washington, DC. The decision keeps in place the duty‑free access that AGOA provides to eligible sub‑Saharan African countries for a range of products, supporting trade and economic development across the continent.
AGOA was first enacted in 2000 to promote African exports to the United States and has been renewed several times since. The latest extension will allow African manufacturers and exporters to continue benefiting from preferential treatment in the U.S. market, potentially boosting jobs and growth in member countries.
“The AGOA Civil Society Organization Network welcomes the U.S. Congress’s decision to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act through December 31, 2028,” the CSO Network said in a statement. The organization noted that the extension is a critical victory for African businesses that rely on the trade preferences to compete in the U.S. market.
AGOA covers more than 30 sub‑Saharan African nations, including Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria, and allows them to export textiles, apparel, and other manufactured goods without tariffs. The act also encourages investment and capacity building in African industries, aligning with broader U.S. trade and development goals.
With the extension in place, African exporters can plan for longer‑term market access and continue to leverage the benefits of AGOA to expand their reach in the United States. The CSO Network urges stakeholders to take advantage of the renewed opportunity and to advocate for continued support of trade and development initiatives across the continent.
<small>Source: AllAfrica — read the original story there.</small>
