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Congress Moves to Extend AGOA Through 2028, African Leaders Celebrate House Vote

December 17, 2025

The House Ways and Means Committee voted on December 10 to retroactively extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through December 2028, prompting celebrations among African diplomats and advocacy groups on Capitol Hill. AGOA, originally enacted in 2000, grants duty-free access to U.S. markets for over 6,500 products from eligible Sub-Saharan African nations, benefiting countries like Kenya, Madagascar, and South Africa through exports of textiles, agricultural goods, and crude oil. However, the extension still requires approval from the full House, Senate, and President Trump's signature to become law, creating uncertainty given the administration's hostile rhetoric toward African nations.

Who is affected

  • Up to 32 Sub-Saharan African countries eligible for AGOA participation
  • Top exporting African nations: Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, Nigeria, Lesotho, Ghana, Mauritius, Angola, and Cote d'Ivoire
  • African diplomatic community and ambassadors (including Kenya Ambassador David Kerich and Madagascar Ambassador Lantosoa Rakotomalala)
  • Members of the Congressional Black Caucus
  • American farmers and producers who gain customers in African markets
  • African workers and businesses in industries producing textiles, agricultural products, apparel, crude oil, cut flowers, nuts, and chocolate
  • AGOA Alliance members and civil society organizations
  • Haiti (through related HOPE/HELP Act extension efforts)

What action is being taken

  • The House Ways and Means Committee voted on December 10 to retroactively extend AGOA through December 2028
  • Civil society organizations are consistently advocating for AGOA's renewal
  • Rosa Whitaker Duncan-Williams is continuing to advocate for Africa
  • Advocates are working to ensure AGOA and U.S.-Africa relations remain a bipartisan and bicameral priority
  • The U.S.-Africa Business Center is supporting both the AGOA extension and the HOPE/HELP Act extension for Haiti

Why it matters

  • AGOA represents the cornerstone of America's economic partnership with Africa for nearly 25 years, supporting economic growth, job creation, and democratic development across the continent. The extension is strategically significant as China continues expanding its global presence, making it essential for the United States to provide an alternative path for nations seeking economic partnerships. The program benefits both African nations through duty-free market access and American interests by opening doors to customers in some of the world's fastest-growing economies. At a time when the White House is undermining relationships with African countries through hostile rhetoric and damaging policies, congressional commitment to AGOA demonstrates continued support for African allies and mutual economic prosperity.

What's next

  • The full House must approve the AGOA extension
  • The Senate must approve the AGOA extension
  • President Donald Trump must sign the extension into law
  • Advocates plan to continue vocal support for AGOA reauthorization
  • Supporters are encouraged to include advocacy for Haiti's HOPE/HELP Act extension in ongoing conversations with Congress

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer