AGOA was adopted in 2000 and has for more than two decades been a pillar of trade between sub-Saharan Africa and the United States. It offers nearly forty African countries duty-free access to a vast market of American consumers for manufactured, agricultural, and mineral products. Having reached its end on 30 September 2025, its renewal remains an important topic of discussion in the United States.
A long adoption journey.
On Wednesday, 11 December 2025, the Ways and Means Committee of the US House of Representatives voted in favour of a bill aimed at extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This is the trade agreement that allows many African countries to export to the United States duty-free. The text adopted by this chamber, dubbed the AGOA Extension Act, provides for a three-year extension, i.e., until 31 December 2028, of this preferential trade regime. This comes after its expiry last September.
This important step, adopted by a large majority of 37 votes to 3 within the committee, reflects a desire by the American Congress to maintain and strengthen economic ties between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. However, the text still has a long legislative journey ahead. The bill must be fully approved by the House of Representatives. Then it goes to the US Senate, before being signed by the President.
Côte d’Ivoire and AGOA.
Bilateral trade between Côte d’Ivoire and the United States illustrates well the importance of AGOA for economic relations. The total value of trade between the two countries reached approximately $1.8 billion in 2024. This represents a significant increase compared to 2023, with growth of about 15% observed in overall trade flows.
The main products imported by Côte d’Ivoire from the United States consist mainly of plastics, electromechanical equipment, and petroleum products. The United States is a key client for Côte d’Ivoire for cocoa beans, processed cocoa, rubber, and cashew nuts.
Hundreds of thousands of jobs in sectors such as textiles, agri-food, or light industry depend today on these trade advantages. The renewal of the agreement would not only be beneficial for African exporters.
Moreover, it would be a strong signal of the role Washington wishes to play in strengthening trade relations with Africa. This comes in the face of competition from powers like China or Russia.
