The United States has given a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), providing some relief for African exporters. President Trump signed the legislation on February 3, 2026. The extension is retroactive to September 30, 2025—when the previous authorization lapsed—and runs through December 31, 2026.

AGOA grants duty-free access to the US market for more than 18,000 product lines from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. This covers textiles, garments, cocoa, coffee, cut flowers, nuts, and various manufactured goods. In 2024, AGOA trade reached $8.23 billion, with South Africa accounting for about half and Nigeria around one-fifth.

The program supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across factories, farms, and small businesses. It helps African exporters compete globally and encourages value-added production. However, the one-year term creates uncertainty. Companies may hesitate to invest or expand without longer predictability.

The short extension aligns with Trump’s “America First” policy. The administration wants to modernize AGOA by requiring more market access for US farmers and businesses in return. The House originally proposed three years, but the Senate reduced it to one. There is also concern that Trump could exclude countries through executive orders, particularly South Africa amid strained relations.

For West Africa, especially Nigeria, AGOA remains vital for non-oil exports like cocoa and textiles. The extension buys time to avoid disruption, but the continent needs to advocate for simpler rules of origin, expanded coverage, and a multi-year agreement next time. When sustained, preferences like this drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce reliance on aid in a competitive global landscape.