The US government has asked African leaders to be on the frontline, leading talks for possible renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), set to expire in September 2025.
AGOA is a US initiative that provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries, including Kenya.
The law was enacted in 2000, and it aims to promote economic growth and improve US relations with African countries by providing incentives for economic and political reforms. Speaking on Thursday, US Senior Bureau Official leading the Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs, Troy Fitrell, said some African countries are on the right trajectory, pushing for negotiations for the renewal of AGOA. However, Fitrell lamented that other African countries have taken a back seat in the negotiations, challenging the countries to refrain from and act proactively in leading the engagements.
President Donald Trump addressing a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
