African Nations Face Uncertainty Amid AGOA Expiration and Regional Instability
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a cornerstone of US-Africa trade relations, is set to expire on September 30, 2025, sparking concerns among African nations. Established in 2000 by former US President Bill Clinton, AGOA has provided duty-free access to the US market for thousands of African products, promoting economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. However, with the Trump administration’s cuts to key aid and imposition of new tariffs on exports, many African countries are bracing for another setback.
More than 30 African countries are eligible for AGOA, with South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Mauritius, Malawi, and Chad among the hardest hit by tariffs. The expiration of AGOA could exacerbate the economic challenges faced by these nations, particularly in rural areas where jobs and industries are already suffering.
Meanwhile, regional instability continues to plague parts of Africa. In Mali, former Prime Minister Choguel Maiga has been jailed on charges of embezzlement and money laundering, amid increasing repression by the military junta. The country has strengthened its ties with Russia, joining the Alliance of Sahel States, but faces growing insecurity as its army and Russian allies fight jihadist and criminal groups.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), a new Amnesty International report has revealed widespread atrocities committed by rebels and army-backed groups, including gang rapes, killings, and torture. The report urges both Rwanda and the DR Congo to take responsibility and hold perpetrators accountable, while calling on international partners to push for accountability and vetting of armed groups.
In other news, Nigerian doctors may suspend their planned nationwide strike after the government issued a new document on doctors’ remuneration. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has welcomed the development, but emphasized that the strike would only be postponed once the government fully implements the revised pay structure.
In Lesotho, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition is considering lifting the ban on the import of potatoes and cabbage, following reports of reduced supplies from local farmers. However, the ban on eggs will remain in place due to oversupply.
As African nations navigate these challenges, it is clear that the continent’s economic and security landscape is at a critical juncture. The expiration of AGOA and regional instability pose significant risks, but also present opportunities for African nations to diversify their economies and strengthen regional cooperation.
