US lawmakers have approved an extension of the trade preference programme that facilitates African countries' access to the American market, keeping it in place through the end of 2028.
According to Bloomberg, the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 1 July, by 370 votes to 48. The Senate had already approved the measure in early August, and it now awaits the signature of President Donald Trump to take effect.
The extension of the programme does not, however, eliminate all trade barriers. African countries covered by AGOA will continue to be subject to tariffs applicable to certain sectors.
In addition, countries that US authorities determine are unable to prevent the use of forced labour in their supply chains, or that are found to be undermining American workers, may be subject to additional tariffs.
The forced labour provisions form part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to rebuild the country's import tariff framework, following the Supreme Court's rejection of the sweeping tariffs previously imposed by the President.
Mauritius' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade welcomed the extension, stating that it would increase predictability for eligible African nations and for businesses engaged in trade with the United States.
"This extension provides greater predictability for eligible Sub-Saharan African countries and companies trading with the United States, while creating new opportunities to strengthen and expand trade and investment relations," the ministry said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Established in 2000, AGOA grants trade preferences to Sub-Saharan African countries, allowing certain goods to enter the US market under more favourable conditions.
According to an analysis by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, merchandise trade between the US and Sub-Saharan African countries reached approximately US$50 billion in 2022.
The programme currently covers more than 30 African countries. Participation is, however, conditional on meeting specific requirements set by the United States, with countries that violate the terms of the agreement or that no longer qualify due to economic growth being excluded from the programme.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/03/mundo/africa/africa-eua-aprovam-prolongamento-da-agoa-por-mais-dois-anos/