President Donald Trump has signed legislation extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by one year, ensuring the trade programme remains in effect until December 31, 2026.
The extension, which applies retroactively from September 30, 2025—when AGOA had officially expired—restores duty-free access to the United States market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries. The move ends months of uncertainty for exporters and governments across the continent who had been awaiting clarity on the future of the landmark trade initiative.
AGOA, first enacted in 2000, provides preferential access to the U.S. market for thousands of products from sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to boost trade, investment, and economic growth across the region. The programme has been credited with supporting millions of jobs and fostering industrial development in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The one-year extension is seen as a temporary measure while U.S. lawmakers and African partners discuss the long-term future of the agreement. Analysts say the additional time will allow both sides to negotiate potential reforms or a successor framework that reflects evolving global trade dynamics.
African governments and business leaders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a vital step in maintaining investor confidence and protecting export-dependent industries. The U.S. administration has indicated that further discussions on AGOA’s renewal or replacement will continue in the coming months.
