The United States House of Representatives has approved legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), renewing the US trade preference programme for eligible African countries until 2028.

The bill passed on Monday with strong bipartisan support, securing 340 votes in favour and 54 against, according to the House Press Gallery. It now moves to the US Senate for consideration.

If the Senate approves the measure and it is signed into law, AGOA will continue to provide duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products from qualifying Sub-Saharan African countries. The extension offers continued relief to exporters and manufacturers who rely on preferential access to the world’s largest consumer economy.

Enacted in 2000, AGOA was designed to promote economic growth, trade, and private sector development across Africa. The programme allows eligible countries to export a wide range of goods to the United States without paying customs duties, provided they meet specific criteria related to governance, rule of law, labour standards, and market-oriented economic reforms.

Over the years, AGOA has been particularly important for African economies with strong exports in textiles and apparel, agricultural products, processed foods, and manufactured goods. Countries including Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa have leveraged the programme to expand exports, attract foreign investment, and create jobs, especially in labour-intensive sectors.

The scheme has faced periodic uncertainty due to its time-bound nature, prompting repeated calls from African governments and business groups for longer-term extensions to support investment and planning. The latest House approval is expected to provide temporary reassurance to exporters concerned about potential disruptions if the programme lapses.

While the extension preserves current benefits, analysts note that the Senate debate could raise broader questions about the future of US-Africa trade relations, including potential modernisation of AGOA to reflect evolving global trade patterns.

Until the Senate completes its review, AGOA remains in effect under its current terms, with the House vote signalling continued US legislative support for trade engagement with Africa.