Pressure for US-Africa policy shift on AGOA will grow

Significance

AGOA provides the central mechanism for US-Africa trade, but expires in 2025. This gives the upcoming meeting added weight as pressure is growing for the contours of the future US-Africa trade relationship to be reaffirmed or redefined.

Impacts

• A revised AGOA may need to take account of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which officially commenced trading in 2021.
• Despite positive indications, the final outcome is in the hands of the US Congress, which has faced substantial turmoil this year.
• Washington’s decision to keep the AGOA Forum in South Africa hints at a de-escalation of tensions that flared over Pretoria’s Russia ties.