Relief for Nigeria, others as US senate extends duty-free AGOA trade pact till 2028

Eligible sub-Saharan African nations will continue to benefit from duty-free access to the U.S. market following the U.S. Senate's approval of a two-year extension for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The trade pact will now remain in effect until December 2028.

The extension, passed with overwhelming support (90 votes in favor, 6 against), comes as a significant relief for African exporters, as the current AGOA arrangement was set to expire at the end of September. Enacted in 2000, AGOA has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Africa trade relations for 25 years, enabling countries to export more than 1,800 products, including agricultural goods, footwear, textiles, and manufactured items, without U.S. tariffs.

Senator Raphael Warnock, a key proponent of the extension, stated that the move would help lower the cost of everyday goods for American consumers and enhance national security by stabilizing the economies of partner nations. The Senate also approved extensions for trade programs benefiting Haiti.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. Since its inception, AGOA has been central to U.S. economic policy and engagement with Africa. Beyond duty-free access, it also provides entry for over 5,000 products under the Generalized System of Preference program.

To qualify for AGOA benefits, countries must demonstrate progress in establishing market-based economies, the rule of law, political pluralism, and due process. They must also eliminate trade barriers, reduce poverty, combat corruption, and protect human rights. By fostering new market opportunities, AGOA has been instrumental in bolstering economic growth, encouraging economic and political reforms, and improving U.S. economic ties in the region.

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the move would help to “lower the cost of everyday goods and improve our national security by helping stabilize the economies of our global partners.”