AGOA ends after 25 years

Trade PS Alfred Kombudo in Nairobi on August 9, 2024. [File, Standard]

The Africa Growth Opportunity Act, AGOA finally came to an end this week bringing to a close 25 years of duty free access to numerous products from the continent into the US. Started by President Bill Clinton in 2000, AGOA was America’s investment into the reform of Africa’s economies, based not on aid but trade.

Through the program, Africa has exported products worth billion dollars into America, ranging from primary products to manufactured goods, largely apparels. Though it has not impacted many of the eligible countries, it has been a major game changer for those that took advantage of the program. In 2023 for instance, AGOA exports from Africa amounted to 10 billion dollars.