Thousands of jobs threatened in Africa as US trade agreement comes to an end

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a critical U.S. trade agreement granting duty-free access to American markets for eligible African countries, is set to expire today, September 30, 2025. This impending expiration raises significant concerns across Africa, with forecasts suggesting that up to 1.3 million jobs could be at risk.

Since its establishment in 2000, AGOA has significantly impacted various African industries, most notably Kenya’s textile and apparel sector, where exports surged from $50 million to $500 million. However, the termination of AGOA, coupled with recent U.S. tariffs, threatens to create substantial challenges for African manufacturers. For instance, companies like United Aryan in Kenya, which exports jeans to the U.S., face rising production costs and intensified competition from Asia.

In response, Kenyan President William Ruto and other African leaders are advocating for the extension or replacement of AGOA. Kenya is also considering a bilateral agreement with the U.S. to mitigate potential economic fallout. Economies heavily dependent on U.S. exports, such as Lesotho and Nigeria, are particularly vulnerable, with consequences likely including job losses, decreased investment, and increased poverty levels.

The impact is already being felt, as companies like United Aryan in Nairobi have begun layoffs, reflecting early signs of economic disruption for African exporters reliant on the U.S. market. The situation has prompted urgent discussions among African leaders about seeking alternative trade agreements and partnerships to soften the effects of AGOA’s expiration.

As the deadline approaches, the global community is paying close attention, understanding that the outcomes of ongoing negotiations and potential new trade frameworks will be vital for Africa’s economic stability and the livelihoods of millions in the coming years.