AGOA, which allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the United States duty-free, expired last October after a brief lapse that raised concerns among exporters and policymakers.
Analysts warned at the time that prolonged uncertainty could disrupt supply chains, weaken investor confidence, and strain US–Africa trade relations.
The House passed the extension by a wide margin, with 340 lawmakers voting in favour and 54 against. The bill now heads to the US Senate, where debates over geopolitics and foreign policy are expected to shape its final outcome. While most African beneficiaries are likely to retain access, South Africa’s position remains unclear.
Africa’s most industrialised economy has been under increasing scrutiny in Washington over its foreign policy posture.
The move was widely seen as an attempt to ease diplomatic pressure from Washington ahead of the legislative decision.
Despite this, senior US lawmakers have continued to question Pretoria’s eligibility under AGOA. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch criticised South Africa’s claim of non-alignment, arguing that its military engagements contradict that stance.
He said the government’s actions signal hostility toward the United States and cast doubt on any assurances offered to Washington.
AGOA has long been a cornerstone of US–Africa economic relations, supporting jobs across sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and textiles.
For South Africa, one of the programme’s largest beneficiaries, the Senate’s deliberations could determine whether that access continues or comes to an abrupt end.
