U.S. Extends AGOA Duty-Free Access for Africa Until 2026
The United States has extended duty-free market access for Nigeria and other African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 31, 2026.
The announcement was made on February 3, 2026, by U.S. Ambassador Jamieson Greer, following President Donald Trump’s signing of legislation reauthorising the programme with retroactive effect from September 30, 2025.
AGOA allows eligible sub-Saharan African nations to export more than 1,800 products duty-free to the U.S., in addition to over 5,000 items under the Generalised System of Preferences.
The programme is designed to promote economic growth, political reform, and sustainable development.
“Today, President Trump signed into law legislation that reauthorizes the African Growth and Opportunity Act through December 31, 2026,” Greer said, adding that AGOA must “demand more from trading partners while providing greater market access for U.S. businesses, farmers, and ranchers.”
To qualify, countries must demonstrate progress toward a market-based economy, political pluralism, human rights protection, and anti-corruption measures.
The U.S. Trade Representative will update the Harmonised Tariff Schedule to reflect changes under the reauthorisation.
Since its enactment in 2000, AGOA has helped African countries expand exports and strengthen political institutions.
Initially set to expire in 2015, it was modernised and extended to 2025 before this latest renewal. As of 2025, 32 African countries remain eligible.
Nigeria’s trade with the U.S. has become increasingly significant. Between January and October 2025, the U.S. recorded a $1.45 billion goods trade surplus with Nigeria, reversing a $1.367 billion deficit from the same period in 2024. U.S. exports to Nigeria rose to $5.94 billion, while imports fell to $4.49 billion.
Officials say the extension underscores Nigeria’s strategic importance in U.S.-Africa trade relations, with Nigeria accounting for 17.4% of U.S. exports to Africa and nearly 31% of the continent’s total U.S. trade surplus in October 2025.