Monday 5th January 2026
By inAfrika Newsroom
By inAfrika Newsroom
The AGOA Extension Act advanced in Washington after a US House committee approved a bill to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act for three years, offering a possible bridge after the programme expired in September. The vote matters because many African exporters rely on duty-free access to the US market. (Reuters)
The House Ways and Means Committee approved the AGOA Extension Act 37–3. The committee called AGOA a cornerstone of US economic ties with Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, it warned that a prolonged lapse could create space for rival powers to deepen influence through trade.
AGOA, first enacted in 2000, covers eligible countries and products and has supported large supply chains in textiles, vehicles, agriculture and manufactured goods. Therefore, even a short interruption can disrupt orders, shipping schedules and factory employment.
South Africa has been a focal point in recent debate. Earlier, the US Trade Representative said South Africa could be excluded, describing it as a “unique problem.” However, the committee-approved bill did not immediately mention exclusion, which markets may read as a pause rather than a resolution.
Pretoria has said it is working to remain included in any extension, even as relations have cooled during President Trump’s second term. Meanwhile, South Africa disputes US views on trade imbalances and has been tracking the bill’s progress closely. Consequently, the next stage in Congress will be watched across African capitals and export zones.
The bill now heads to the full House, although the timing is not yet clear. Meanwhile, African trade ministries are likely to intensify engagement as the legislative calendar firms up.
AGOA supports jobs and foreign exchange earnings. So, a faster extension reduces uncertainty for investors, suppliers and workers, even as country eligibility debates remain politically charged.
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