Mbabane – Eswatini is set to remain among 32 African countries benefiting from preferential access to the United States market after the US House of Representatives approved a three year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act on Tuesday.
The decision was taken in Washington, where lawmakers voted three hundred and forty to fifty four in favour of extending the trade arrangement to December thirty one, twenty twenty eight. The bill was sponsored by Republican Congressman Jason Smith and now awaits consideration by the US Senate.
AGOA allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the United States without paying tariffs, supporting sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, textiles and apparel. In Eswatini, the programme has long supported jobs, particularly in the textile and apparel industry, while also contributing to export earnings and industrial growth.
The House vote follows renewed focus on the future of AGOA after the programme lapsed on September thirty during the administration of former US President Donald Trump. That period created uncertainty for African exporters and investors due to a cautious stance on international trade agreements.
African Business reports that the extension is widely viewed as a short term lifeline for the programme, offering some certainty to businesses across the continent as US lawmakers continue discussions on longer term options.
AGOA was enacted by the US Congress in two thousand to strengthen trade and economic relations between the United States and sub Saharan Africa, promote export led growth and support economic reform. While the initiative has supported industrialisation in several countries, calls remain for reforms to improve stability, inclusivity and developmental impact.
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