Namibia has regained preferential market access for its exports to the United States until 31 December 2026 under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The extension follows the lapse of AGOA at the end of September 2025 and reinstates duty-free and quota-free access for eligible goods from Namibia and other qualifying Sub-Saharan African countries.
According to the Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) Executive Director, Ndiitah Ngipondoka-Robiati, Namibia has welcomed the renewal, noting that it applies retroactively.
This means Namibian exporters can once again benefit from duty-free treatment on eligible shipments made after the programme’s initial expiration, provided all AGOA requirements are met.
“The Ministry welcomes the decision by the United States Government to approve a short-term extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 31 December 2026. This renewal reinstates important preferential market access for Namibia and other eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, following the programme’s expiration at the end of September 2025,” she said.
Robiati said the short-term extension carries benefits for Namibia’s export-oriented sectors, with key industries such as agriculture, fisheries and manufactured goods, including diamonds, regaining preferential access to the US market. During the lapse period, some Namibian exports were subject to tariffs of up to 15%, costs that are now removed under the renewed arrangement.
She said the extension is expected to help stabilise export earnings, support jobs and ensure business continuity for enterprises that rely on trade with the United States. However, Robiati cautioned that a one-year renewal does not provide sufficient long-term certainty.
The government will continue engaging with US authorities and regional partners to advocate for a longer-term and more predictable trade framework that supports Namibia’s development and industrialisation objectives.
“The Government of Namibia will continue to work closely with exporters and stakeholders to maximise the benefits of AGOA during this extension period. At the same time, the Namibia Government will actively engage with US authorities and regional partners to advocate for a longer-term, sustainable trade framework that supports Namibia’s development and industrialisation goals,” she said.
