Africa wants the US to renew its flagship trade programme for the continent for at least 10 years.
US to renew its flagship trade programme for the continent for at least 10 years, the African Union’s top trade official said on Thursday, adding that any modifications to the initiative should only be considered later.
First launched in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act grants exports from qualifying African countries duty free access to the US — the world’s largest consumer market. It is due to expire in September 2025, and discussions are currently under way for its possible renewal. “ 10-20 years is very critical to the investment community. Anything lower than that would generate uncertainty,” Muchanga told the ministers, who gathered in Johannesburg to form a common position on the future of the programme.
African governments and some US industry groups warn that attempting to modify Agoa as part of the renewal process could delay its reauthorisation.“If there are any enhancements to be made, those should be done after the extension,” Muchanga said.
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