US officials, lawmakers express support for extension of Africa trade programme

US officials and lawmakers expressed support Saturday for the extension of a trade programme that grants eligible African countries duty-free access to US markets. The move follows a clear push by eligible African countries at the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade forum in Johannesburg to have the programme extended. It is currently slated to expire in September 2025. AGOA is US legislation that allows sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to US markets provided they meet certain conditions.