AGOA Extended to December 2028

By Ellen Hambuba The United States has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act -AGOA- to December 2028, securing continued duty-free access to the American market for eligible Zambian products. The Programme , which was due to expire in December this year, will give Zambia’s exporters more certainty as they plan production and seek to expand their presence in the United States. For Zambia, the extension comes at a time when Government is pushing for greater production, value addition and export diversification. The United States Embassy in Washington says the continuation of AGOA, alongside the reopening of short-term commercial credit facilities for Zambia’s private sector, creates fresh opportunities for local businesses to scale up production. Zambian manufacturers and exporters in sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing and manufacturing could benefit by using the preferential access to compete in the U.S. market. The extension also provides more time for businesses to invest in production capacity and develop products that meet international market standards. Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States, CHIBAMBA KANYAMA, has described the development as a vote of confidence in the country’s economic reforms and growing commercial relationship with the United States. Dr. KANYAMA says the embassy will work with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and local financial institutions to help businesses understand and take advantage of the available opportunities. He says the challenge now is for Zambian businesses to turn continued duty-free access into higher exports, increased production and jobs at home.