African Growth and Opportunity Act — a commercial initiative between the United States and eligible sub-Saharan African countries.
Understanding the preferential framework and commercial opportunities offered to eligible African exporters.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), enacted by the United States in 2000, is a trade preference program for sub-Saharan African countries that meet eligibility criteria defined by US legislation.
Le dispositif permet aux pays bénéficiaires d'accéder au marché américain en franchise de droits pour plus de 1 800 produits au titre de l'AGOA, en complément des produits bénéficiant d'autres régimes préférentiels américains. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
A preferential framework designed to facilitate trade with the United States.
AGOA was enacted in 2000 to enhance trade relations between the United States and eligible sub-Saharan African countries. It aims to foster the integration of African economies into international trade.
AGOA beneficiary countries can enjoy preferential tariff treatment for qualifying products under the program.
Countries must meet criteria defined by US legislation.
Access to the US market depends on product eligibility, tariff classification, and compliance with applicable rules.
Data on the program and DRC–US trade exchanges.
Current status and trade relations between DRC and the US.
The US Trade Representative currently lists the Democratic Republic of the Congo as AGOA eligible.
AGOA eligibility is subject to criteria set by US legislation and undergoes periodic review.
In 2025, total merchandise trade between the US and DRC reached approximately $2.15 billion, with US exports to DRC at $223.8 million and US imports from DRC at $1.928 billion. These figures cover total trade and do not strictly measure AGOA-specific trade.
For Congolese enterprises, benefiting from the mechanism depends on product eligibility, rules of origin, compliance with US standards, and export capability.
Mobilization of public and private stakeholders around trade opportunities.
Capitalizing on AGOA trade opportunities requires coordination among public administrations, trade support agencies, business associations, and exporting companies. Support focuses on identifying qualifying products, origin rules, compliance, and US market access.
Key preparation pillars to better access the US market.
Identify Congolese products likely to meet US market access requirements and verify tariff treatments.
Improve quality, traceability, packaging, documentation, and compliance with international standards.
Deepen understanding of the US market, identify potential buyers, and develop trade partnerships.
Program reauthorization.
On February 3, 2026, the President of the United States signed legislation reauthorizing AGOA through December 31, 2026, retroactive to September 30, 2025. US administration work is also underway regarding program modernization.
