Trump Extends African Growth Act Through End of 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a measure extending the (AGOA), the flagship U.S. free trade program with sub-Saharan Africa, through the end of 2026, according to an announcement by the United States’ chief trade negotiator.

The extension will apply retroactively from the end of last September, after the program had formally expired, raising concerns about potential job losses and trade disruptions across the African continent.

Launched in 2000, AGOA grants eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market for more than 1,800 products, making it one of the most important trade cooperation frameworks between the United States and Africa.

The lapse of the program in September had triggered fears that hundreds of thousands of jobs, particularly in export-oriented sectors, could be at risk if preferential access to the U.S. market was not restored.

While the U.S. House of Representatives approved a three-year extension last month, the Senate ultimately reduced the duration to one year, a version that was later approved and signed into law by the president.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the administration will work closely with Congress this year to modernize the program, aiming to expand access for American businesses and farmers to African markets in line with the administration’s “America First” trade policy, according to CNBC Africa.

The extension comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and South Africa, the continent’s largest economy. Trump boycotted G20 meetings hosted by Pretoria last year and later declined to invite South Africa to attend G20 sessions hosted by Washington this year.

Despite the broader diplomatic strains, South Africa welcomed the AGOA extension. Trade Minister Parks Tau said the decision provides much-needed stability and clarity for African and U.S. companies that rely on the program for cross-border trade.

U.S. officials reiterated that continued access to AGOA benefits depends on recipient countries making progress toward market-based economic reforms, strengthening the rule of law and political pluralism, removing barriers to U.S. trade and investment, combating corruption, and protecting human rights.