AU Urges U.S. Senate to Approve Three-Year AGOA Extension After House Passage

The African Union has urged the United States Senate to approve a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, following its overwhelming passage by the U.S. House of Representatives.

In a statement, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomed the strong bipartisan support shown by lawmakers in the House, describing it as a reflection of the United States’ enduring commitment to strengthening trade, investment, and shared prosperity with African economies.

He noted that for more than two decades, AGOA has served as a cornerstone of U.S.-Africa economic relations, supporting industrialisation, job creation, regional value chains, and inclusive growth across the continent.

According to Youssouf, the trade framework has played a critical role in fostering mutually beneficial economic ties and reinforcing Africa’s position as a reliable partner in global commerce. He therefore appealed to the U.S. Senate to give favourable and timely consideration to the bill as it moves through the legislative process, in a spirit of partnership and shared strategic interests.

The proposed extension, if approved, is expected to provide renewed certainty for African exporters accessing the U.S. market.

The International Trade Centre has warned that the expiration of AGOA could significantly impact beneficiary countries, estimating a reduction of projected exports by 189 million dollars by 2029. Of that figure, 138 million dollars would result from declining apparel and textile exports to the U.S., a sector expected to see a 9.7 percent drop by 2029 without the agreement.

Meanwhile, the African Union Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the U.S. government, Congress, and other stakeholders to ensure that AGOA continues to serve as a bridge for economic cooperation and a symbol of the enduring partnership between Africa and the American people.