Senator John Kennedy, has introduced the AGOA Extension and Bilateral Engagement Act, also referred to as AGOA 2.0, aimed at renewing and reforming the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The bill seeks to extend AGOA for two years while aligning the program more closely with U.S. strategic interests and countering China’s growing influence in Africa.
Kennedy emphasized that the U.S. must reassess its trade relationships on the continent to ensure AGOA benefits both African partners and American priorities. The proposed legislation would also incorporate the U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, designed to hold South Africa accountable for its increasing alignment with U.S. rivals such as China and Russia.
Originally enacted in 2000, AGOA was intended to strengthen U.S.-Africa trade relations by granting duty-free access to thousands of African products in the U.S. market. In return, eligible sub-Saharan African nations were expected to promote democracy, market-based economies, and rule of law. The program’s trade benefits are currently set to expire on September 30, 2025, with 32 countries eligible at the time of expiration.