U.S. President Joe Biden takes firm stand, excludes 4 African nations from AGOA over rights concerns

In a significant move that has reverberated across the African continent, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Monday his decision to terminate the participation of Gabon, Niger, Uganda, and the Central African Republic in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade program.

The decision comes as a response to what the President referred to as “gross violations” of internationally recognized human rights by the Central African Republic and Uganda, as well as the failure of Niger and Gabon to make substantial progress in safeguarding political pluralism and the rule of law.

President Biden conveyed his concerns in a letter addressed to the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, highlighting the continued non-compliance of these nations with AGOA eligibility criteria despite extensive engagements between the United States and the affected countries.

This momentous action is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, as the President aims to ensure strict adherence to the program’s eligibility requirements.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was launched in 2000 and has served as a critical avenue for qualified African nations to access U.S. markets without facing duties on their exports.

While AGOA is scheduled to expire in September 2025, discussions are already underway regarding its extension and the potential duration of such an extension.

African governments and industry groups are advocating for an early 10-year extension with no modifications to provide reassurance to businesses and prospective investors who may have concerns about the future of AGOA.

This decision by the U.S. President is expected to have significant implications for both U.S.-African trade relations and the affected African nations.