The United States has confirmed that Namibia will retain its eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits, alongside 31 other African nations, following the program’s annual review.
According to Sam Michel, Spokesperson for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), President Joe Biden approved the decision to maintain the current list of eligible countries for 2025 after a comprehensive review process, which included a public hearing held in July, chaired by the USTR.
“Based on the results of the annual African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) eligibility review, which included a public hearing in July, President Biden has determined to maintain AGOA benefits for each country currently eligible under the program. Therefore, the list of eligible and ineligible countries will remain unchanged for 2025,” Michel said.
Currently, 32 out of 54 African nations qualify for AGOA benefits.
Among the eligible countries are Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zambia.
AGOA is a U.S.-led trade initiative that provides duty-free access for over 6,400 qualifying exports from eligible sub-Saharan African countries.
The program aims to enhance trade and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa while promoting development and good governance.
Namibia has successfully leveraged AGOA in the past, with Meatco becoming the first African company to export beef to the U.S. under the program in 2020.
