AGOA: Road to Reauthorization Collection

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the cornerstone of US economic engagement with Africa. Enacted by Congress in 2000 and renewed in 2015, AGOA grants eligible Sub-Saharan African countries preferential, duty-free access to US markets. Currently, 35 countries are eligible for AGOA benefits, meaning they have met the requirements of the program by making progress towards a market economy, eliminating barriers to US trade and investment, and acting to protect human rights. Without further renewal from Congress, AGOA is set to expire in 2025. The 20th AGOA Forum was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 2-4, 2023. The forum will bring together representatives from the United States and AGOA-eligible countries with members of economic and labor organizations, the private sector, and civil society, to discuss how to strengthen mutually beneficial and sustainable economic ties between the United States and Africa.

Since its launch, the Wilson Center has followed AGOA’s progress through published numerous articles and held events that examine AGOA’s role in US-Africa relations and Africa’s economy. Many of these sources are provided on this webpage.