WASHINGTON, United States – The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced its intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade preference programme that provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the American market.
The proposed termination, announced on November 2, 2026, is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, subject to the required procedures.
US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer issued a statement following President Trump’s notification to the US Congress and the governments of South Africa and Rwanda about the planned withdrawal of their AGOA eligibility.
Greer said the decision followed an annual review of sub-Saharan African countries participating in the programme, conducted by the Office of the United States Trade Representative in coordination with other US government agencies.
According to the US administration, the review found that both countries were engaging in practices considered inconsistent with AGOA’s eligibility requirements.
“The Office of the United States Trade Representative led the annual interagency review of sub-Saharan African countries’ eligibility for the AGOA trade preference program. Based on the review, President Trump found that the governments of Rwanda and South Africa are engaging in practices that are inconsistent with AGOA’s eligibility criteria,” Greer said.
He added that Washington had concerns about what it described as widespread practices affecting American commercial interests and its strategic priorities in Africa.
“These concerning and pervasive practices include, but are not limited to, barriers that undermine American trade and investment and practices that pose a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests in the region. The Trump Administration is working to ensure our African partners take the necessary steps to meet the eligibility criteria.”
Washington raises concerns over Rwanda and South Africa
The US administration identified several areas of concern regarding Rwanda, including barriers to trade and investment, the rule of law, political pluralism, internationally recognised workers’ rights and human rights.
Washington also cited concerns relating to its national security and foreign policy interests in the region.
Regarding South Africa, the statement identified barriers affecting US trade and investment as an area of concern. However, the published portion of the announcement ends before providing the full list of concerns relating to Pretoria.
AGOA implications for African trade
AGOA was established to strengthen economic relations between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa by granting eligible countries preferential access to the American market for thousands of products.
The programme has provided opportunities for African exporters in sectors including agriculture, textiles, clothing, manufacturing and other industries, while supporting trade, investment and employment.
The proposed removal of South Africa and Rwanda would therefore carry implications for businesses exporting to the United States, particularly those that rely on preferential tariff arrangements to remain competitive.
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