The United States has prolonged duty-free market access for Nigeria and other qualifying African nations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act through December 31, 2026.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on February 3, 2026, by U.S. Ambassador Jamieson Greer.
The move is designed to strengthen trade relations between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa, enabling eligible countries to export over 1,800 products without tariffs.
The initiative seeks to foster economic expansion, encourage political reforms, and support sustainable development among participating nations.
On February 3, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a bill reauthorising AGOA, applying retroactively from September 30, 2025.
“Today, President Trump signed into law legislation that reauthorizes the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program through December 31, 2026, with retroactive effect to September 30, 2025,” the statement read.
Ambassador Jamieson Greer stressed that AGOA in the 21st century should place higher expectations on trading partners while expanding market opportunities for U.S. companies, farmers, and ranchers.
He added that the initiative builds on the long-standing mutual benefits it has delivered to both Africa and the United States.
The renewed legislation sets out key obligations for participating countries, such as advancing a market-driven economy, promoting political pluralism, safeguarding human rights, and strengthening efforts to combat corruption.
It also directs the U.S. Trade Representative to revise the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to incorporate any adjustments arising from the reauthorization.
AGOA was established in 2000 to enhance trade relations between the United States and Africa.
The initiative grants qualifying sub-Saharan African nations duty-free entry into the U.S. market for more than 1,800 products, alongside over 5,000 goods covered under the Generalized System of Preferences.
Eligibility requires countries to uphold the rule of law, safeguard human rights, reduce poverty, and eliminate trade barriers.
Over the last two decades, AGOA has supported export growth across Africa, encouraged economic reforms, and reinforced political institutions.
