US-Africa Program Should Be Extended Through 2041, Says Senate Democrat

By Makini Brice

WASHINGTON – Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a prominent advocate for U.S.-Africa relations, has called for a 16-year extension of a trade program that allows exports from eligible African nations to enter the U.S. market duty-free.

Negotiations are currently underway for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in 2025. African countries are advocating for a 10-year extension of the agreement ahead of the 2024 U.S. elections. The Biden administration is also seeking to renew the program but has indicated that some reforms are necessary.

Senator Coons, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has introduced a bill aimed at aligning AGOA with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which includes most African countries. A draft version of the bill, obtained by Reuters, proposes that benefits for countries not be revoked as they become wealthier; instead, these benefits would remain for five years after a country is deemed to have reached high-income status based on a single year’s performance.

“My AGOA Renewal Act would extend this program, encouraging investments that create jobs, promote economic development, and enhance our influence in the region,” Coons stated.

Ben Cardin, the committee’s chairman, has expressed support for renewing the program but believes modifications to eligibility criteria are essential, according to an aide. Meanwhile, James Risch, the committee’s top Republican, conveyed his support for an expedited reauthorization of the program but also emphasized the need for adjustments to the eligibility criteria and other aspects.

In 2022, over $10 billion worth of African exports benefitted from duty-free access to the U.S. under AGOA. While the initiative enjoys bipartisan backing in Washington, there are differing opinions on the necessary updates.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai stated that AGOA should focus on increasing participation among qualifying countries, though specifics on how to achieve this were not provided.

American business groups have emphasized the importance of clarity regarding AGOA, enabling African nations to leverage opportunities amid a global effort to decrease reliance on Chinese manufacturing.