The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act, known as AGOA, through to 2028. The trade programme grants duty-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries and products.
According to CNBC Africa, the bill was approved by a vote of 340 to 54. The AGOA Extension Act, introduced by Congressman Jason Smith, provides a three year renewal until December 31, 2028, after the scheme expired on September 30, 2025.
The extension allows for retroactive duty free treatment on imports from eligible African countries, meaning importers can claim refunds on duties paid since the programme lapsed. The House Committee on Ways and Means earlier passed the bill by a vote of 37 to 3, reflecting strong bipartisan backing.
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Nigeria has benefited from AGOA since its launch in 2000. A 2024 Brookings report shows African countries exported about 103 billion dollars in non crude products to the US between 2001 and 2022, with Nigeria ranking second after South Africa, recording exports valued at 11.2 billion dollars.
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