Trump Signs Two-Year AGOA Extension for African Trade

On a Friday, President Donald Trump signed a bill extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for two years, following its expiration on September 30, 2025. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation, expressed her excitement on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the importance of this extension for trade between the USA and qualifying African countries.

The US House of Representatives had previously approved the bill in January with a vote of 340 to 54. Despite earlier threats to exclude South Africa from AGOA, the extension passed without significant policy changes, ensuring continuity for exporters across Africa.

Lawmakers, including Congressman Jason Smith and Congresswoman Terri Sewell, praised the extension, emphasizing AGOA's role in enhancing economic stability and security interests for both the USA and sub-Saharan Africa. The extension will now run through December 2028.