The US House of Representatives has passed a bill extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through 2028, prompting a warm welcome from South Africa's Trade Minister Parks Tau. The legislation now heads to the Senate for further approval. This renewal aims to maintain duty-free access for Sub-Saharan African countries to the US market.
On January 12, 2026, the US House of Representatives approved the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Bill by a vote of 340 to 54. The bill proposes to reauthorize AGOA for three years until 2028, including all current beneficiaries, and provide duty-free access to the US market for eligible Sub-Saharan African countries and their products.
AGOA was originally enacted in 2000 to promote trade between the US and Africa. The approved bill will now proceed to the Senate for consideration and approval before being sent to the US President.
South African Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau welcomed the development in a statement. His spokesperson, Kaamil Ali, emphasized the bill's importance, stating: "This will provide certainty and predictability for African and American businesses that rely on the programme. The renewal of AGOA will complement and support the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and creation of regional value chains, as well as support American business that depend on inputs and products imported into the US market under AGOA."
The extension is seen as a boost for African economies, ensuring continued trade benefits amid ongoing global economic shifts.
