The United States has notified Congress of its intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) trade program, effective January 1, 2027. The Agoa program allows eligible African nations to export thousands of goods to the U.S. duty-free.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that annual reviews found both countries were not adhering to the program's eligibility requirements. The Trump administration also informed the involved nations of this decision, citing barriers to U.S. trade and investment, along with national security and foreign policy interests.
Specific concerns were raised regarding Rwanda's human rights record, political pluralism, rule of law, and workers' rights. This development follows closely after the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Rwanda's defense ministry for its alleged involvement with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo, accusing it of directing troops and providing support to the rebel group.
For South Africa, the U.S. also cited issues of corruption. US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III expressed regret that South African policies led to the termination, calling it a "predictable and preventable outcome."
"The Trump administration is working to ensure our African partners take the necessary steps to meet the eligibility criteria," Greer said. Relations between Washington and both countries have been strained, with this proposed termination posing a threat to their preferential trade access to the U.S.