Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa… US Extends Duty-free Trade Deal with 32 African Countries

The United States has granted a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), extending trade preferences to qualifying African countries.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), announced in a post on X on Thursday, expressing hope that the extension will stimulate greater, mutually beneficial trade between Africa and the US.

“Great to learn that the USA has granted a two year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) extending trade preferences to qualifying African countries,” the post reads.

“Hope this will help stimulate mutually beneficial and greater Africa-USA trade! Thanks to Congress, the Administration, and the numerous individuals and organizations that worked hard to make this happen.

“Credit also to the African Union @_AfricanUnion and African leaders for patience and persistence on this issue.”

‘US WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND TRADE TIES WITH AFRICA’ 

Terri Sewell, US congresswoman representing Alabama’s 7th district, also welcomed the extension, saying it would help strengthen trade relations between the US and Africa.

“I am thrilled to announce that we were able to include the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, in the continuing resolution that passed the House today,” she said.

“As the lead champion of AGOA in Congress, I am thrilled that we were able to overcome the divisiveness in Washington and extend this critically important trade programme for two years while we continue our work to modernise and expand our trade relationships with Africa.

“AGOA has been one of the most successful trade programmes in our nation’s history, opening doors for African nations while continuing to provide new opportunities for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers.”

Sewell said AGOA represents “the best of American economic leadership,” promoting opportunity, partnership and long-term investment.

“At a time when Africa’s economic importance is growing, I am glad that the United States is joining with the AGOA countries to secure a more prosperous future for us all,” the congresswoman added.

In December 2025, US congress advanced a bill seeking to revive the programme after it expired on September 30, 2025.

The AGOA Extension Act was introduced by Jason Smith, a member of the US house of representatives, and proposed a three-year renewal of the programme until December 31, 2028.

The extension permits retroactive duty-free treatment on imports from eligible African countries from the expiration date.

This means importers can claim refunds for duties they have paid in the interval for AGOA-qualifying goods.

On January 13, 2026, the US house of representatives passed the bill to renew the preferential trade programme for some African countries through 2028.

The house approved the extension by a vote of 340 to 54.

Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa are among the 32 beneficiaries of AGOA.