US-Africa trade pact extended

The US-Africa trade program, known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), will be extended for an additional two years by President Donald Trump when he signs the short-term government funding bill, according to the source. This extension was easily approved by the House, with a vote of 370-48. The agreement does not modify the existing AGOA, but it provides a temporary reassurance to African governments concerned about their trade relations with the US during the Trump administration.

However, while the extension offers a short-term solution, it fails to provide the long-term certainty needed for African businesses and governments to plan effectively, as stated by Oge Onubogu, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Africa Program. Onubogu emphasized the importance of having a clear long-term economic vision from the US, regardless of the administration in power.

She questioned, "There needs to be certainty, predictability, and clarity on what the US’ economic vision is." South Africa had advocated for a 15-year extension of the trade program, and the current extension will take effect through 2028.