AGOA Forum: African Countries Push for Extended Duty-Free Access to US Markets

The U.S. Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade forum in South Africa will discuss the possible extension of the program, which grants sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to U.S. markets. The forum comes after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the removal of Niger, Uganda, Central African Republic, and Gabon from the list of beneficiaries due to noncompliance with eligibility criteria. South Africa, one of the biggest beneficiaries, plans to lobby for the extension of AGOA. The decision on extension relies on the U.S. Congress.