Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal

In a notification to Congress, US President Donald Trump has announced his plans to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) trade program, effective from January 1, 2027. Agoa enables African countries to export selected goods to the US without tariffs. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that a yearly review revealed both nations were not meeting Agoa’s eligibility criteria.

He also informed the countries of the decision. The administration pointed to trade and investment barriers as reasons, and expressed concerns about national security and foreign policy interests in the region. In Rwanda's case, US authorities raised issues about human rights, political pluralism, the rule of law, and workers' rights.

This decision follows the US Treasury's sanctions on Rwanda's defence ministry for allegedly aiding the M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo, who received weapons, equipment, logistics, and training from Rwanda. Regarding South Africa, the US administration cited corruption. US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III expressed regret over the termination, blaming South Africa’s policies for the outcome.

The move comes amid strained relations between the US and both countries. Last year, Trump accused South Africa of white genocide and initiated a refugee pathway for Afrikaners during a White House meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.