South Africa, Rwanda to be excluded from Africa duty-free trade deal

South African Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III has criticized South Africa's removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) as "predictable and preventable," attributing the decision to the government's failure to address U.S. concerns. Washington has excluded South Africa and Rwanda from a major Africa-US duty-free trade deal, effective from January 1, citing practices inconsistent with the deal's eligibility criteria.

Bozell expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing that it reflects the South African government's rejection of real concerns raised by the U.S. government. Agoa, which grants preferential access to the U.S. market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries, remains in effect until the end of 2028 but is subject to annual review.

South Africa is the program's largest beneficiary, but its eligibility has been under scrutiny amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Pretoria. Bozell warned that billions of dollars in American investment and thousands of jobs were at risk due to South Africa's policies. He accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of failing to condemn the "Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer" chant, describing it as incitement to violence.

The ambassador also criticized South Africa's race-based ownership requirements, arguing that the country is moving closer to U.S. adversaries. Relations between the two nations have deteriorated since the U.S. Department of International Relations and Cooperation issued a diplomatic rebuke against Bozell, accusing him of "undiplomatic conduct."