AGOA extension clears US House, heads to Senate for approval
The United States House of Representatives has approved legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), renewing Washington’s flagship trade preference programme for eligible African countries until 2028.
The bill was passed on Monday with strong bipartisan support, securing 340 votes in favour and 54 against, according to information released by the House Press Gallery. The measure now moves to the US Senate for consideration.
If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the extension will preserve duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products from qualifying Sub-Saharan African countries, offering continued relief to exporters and manufacturers who rely on preferential entry into the world’s largest consumer economy.
AGOA was first enacted in 2000 as part of a broader US strategy to promote economic growth, trade and private sector development across Africa. The programme allows eligible countries to export a wide range of goods to the United States without paying customs duties, provided they meet specific criteria related to governance, rule of law, labour standards and market-based economic reforms.
Over the years, AGOA has been particularly significant for African economies with strong exports in textiles and apparel, agricultural produce, processed foods and manufactured goods. Countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa have used the scheme to expand exports, attract foreign investment and create jobs, especially within labour-intensive sectors.
The programme has, however, faced periodic uncertainty due to its time-bound nature, prompting repeated calls from African governments and business groups for longer-term extensions to support planning and investment decisions. The latest House approval is expected to provide temporary relief to exporters who have expressed concern about potential disruptions should the scheme lapse.
While the extension would maintain existing benefits, analysts say the Senate debate is likely to revisit broader questions about the future direction of US Africa trade relations, including whether AGOA should be modernised to reflect changing global trade patterns.
Until the Senate completes its review, AGOA remains in force under its current terms, with the latest House vote signalling continued US legislative support for trade engagement with Africa.