AGOA Nears Expiration as Africa Seeks Renewal

The 25-year-old African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free U.S. market access for more than 1,800 products from 32 sub‑Saharan countries, is set to expire this month and has prompted urgent appeals from African leaders, trade ministers and business groups for renewal or a transition period. Kenya’s President William Ruto is pushing for at least a five-year renewal, says he expects a bilateral trade deal with the U.S. by year‑end, and is pressing U.S. officials (including Senator Marco Rubio) to act to protect apparel, textile and agricultural exports. Kenyan business lobbies AmCham and KEPSA and major U.S. retailers are urging Congress for a one‑ to two‑year adjustment window or full renewal to avoid supply‑chain disruption and large job losses; Kenya’s textile sector earned Sh60.57 billion from U.S. sales in 2024 and employs hundreds of thousands. Recent U.S. tariff moves — including a reported 10% tariff on some Kenyan goods, steep levies earlier applied to Lesotho (later reduced) and a 30% tariff on South Africa — have intensified urgency and emergency diplomacy. Lesotho’s trade minister said U.S. officials signaled AGOA could be extended by a year by November/December, but congressional action remains unresolved. Stakeholders warn failure to act promptly could jeopardize African manufacturers and jobs, weaken U.S. supply‑chain resilience and consumer savings, and push countries toward bilateral deals or other partners.