AGOA: uncertainty looms over US-Africa trade agreement

Negotiations on AGOA, the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act, dominated South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington. This key agreement, in force since 2000, enables 38 African countries to export to the United States duty-free. In 2023, this trade represented $40 billion.

However, its renewal remains uncertain. The United States now seems to be using AGOA as a political lever, imposing stricter conditions in terms of governance and diplomatic alignment. Some countries, such as South Africa, could even be excluded because of their relations with Russia.

This uncertainty is worrying African economies. The textile sector, which has seen its exports to the United States grow by 25% thanks to AGOA, would be particularly vulnerable. According to experts, almost 500,000 jobs could be at risk if the agreement were to lapse.

source: Le monde