A critical US trade agreement that has fueled African economic growth for over two decades is set to expire, creating significant anxiety across the continent. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible nations, but its future is uncertain under the current Trump administration. This program has been a cornerstone of economic engagement, helping to diversify exports, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and attract vital investment. Its sudden end would impose heavy tariffs on African goods, potentially causing exports to plummet and threatening significant job losses in key sectors, such as textiles. As time runs out, African governments and businesses are urgently seeking clarity on the future of the agreement, with analysts warning that abrupt termination will have profound consequences for development and stability.
CNBC Africa
