US President Donald Trump has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) framework through the end of 2026. The trade program briefly expired in September 2025 after Congress failed to renew it, creating uncertainty for industries dependent on preferential access to the US market. The new proclamation restores tariff benefits for thousands of products, including textiles, agricultural goods, and automotive parts. It also returned Gabon to the list of eligible countries after a governance-related suspension in 2023. Although the extension provides temporary relief for exporters and labor-intensive sectors across sub-Saharan Africa, analysts warn that the short-term renewal leaves businesses vulnerable to future US policy shifts. The uncertainty is also increasing pressure on African governments to strengthen regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Business Insider Africa
