First enacted in 2000, AGOA provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries and products.
The law expired in September, prompting concerns over potential disruptions for South African exporters and the hundreds of thousands of jobs dependent on the programme.
South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the House vote would provide much-needed reassurance.
AGOA renewal offers new lifeline for African exporters
The extension is not only vital for South Africa but for hundreds of thousands of African businesses and workers across the continent that depend on duty-free access to the U.S. market.
From textiles and apparel to agriculture and manufactured goods, AGOA has enabled African exporters to diversify beyond commodities and compete more effectively globally.
Tau noted that AGOA’s renewal could act as a stabilising signal for exporters navigating a period of diplomatic and economic uncertainty, while also providing a framework for broader trade growth across Africa.
With the Senate vote expected in the coming weeks, governments and businesses across the continent are watching closely, hoping that AGOA’s extension will support economic resilience, stimulate trade, and reinforce Africa’s position in global markets.
