Trump Signs Two-Year AGOA Extension, Welcomed by Okonjo-Iweala

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and members of the US Congress expressed their excitement following President Donald Trump's signing of a bill that extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for two years. The AGOA, which provides duty-free access to the US market for African countries, had its enabling law expire on September 30, 2025.

Nigeria is one of the 32 African beneficiaries of this act, which was established in 2000 to promote economic growth and trade between Africa and the US. Okonjo-Iweala shared her delight on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Congress and various stakeholders for their efforts.

The US House of Representatives had previously passed a bill in January to renew the program through 2028, with a vote of 340 to 54. Despite previous threats to exclude South Africa from the program, the extension was passed without substantive policy changes, ensuring continuity for African exporters.