U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed legislation extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade programme giving sub‑Saharan African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, through December 31, 2025, with retroactive effect from September 30, 2025, Reuters reported.

AGOA, first enacted in 2000, allows eligible countries to export more than 1 800 products to the United States duty-free, supporting jobs and investment across the region. The law had been due to expire in September 2025, prompting concern among African officials and businesses over potential trade disruptions.

Jamieson Greer, the chief U.S. trade negotiator, said the law required updating to provide U.S. businesses, farmers, and ranchers with greater market access. He added that his office will work with Congress over the next year to modernize the programme.

The extension followed legislative action in the U.S. Senate and House, where a one-year renewal was agreed upon after a longer-term proposal was scaled back. South Africa’s government previously welcomed congressional approval of the renewal, noting it would offer “certainty and predictability” for companies on both sides of the Atlantic.

To qualify for AGOA benefits, countries must meet eligibility criteria, including establishing market-based economies, upholding the rule of law, reducing poverty, combating corruption, and protecting human rights, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.