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Zambia, other Southern Africa countries see new trade opportunities as AGOA extends to 2028
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) says the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to December 2028 will provide greater certainty for exporters and investors while creating opportunities to expand value-added trade with the United States. The United States had extended AGOA…
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) says the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to December 2028 will provide greater certainty for exporters and investors while creating opportunities to expand value-added trade with the United States.
The United States had extended AGOA, which provides eligible Sub-Saharan African countries with preferential access to the US market, through the end of December 2028.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, SADC said the extension would give member states additional time to strengthen productive capacity, expand value-added exports and advance regional industrialisation.
SADC said the decision would also allow businesses to better plan production, maintain export relationships and explore new investment opportunities.
“By granting duty-free access to the United States market for more than 7,000 products, the programme has enabled businesses to reach new customers, attract investment and create employment opportunities,” it said.
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The regional bloc said AGOA, which was introduced in 2000, had supported sectors including textiles and apparel, agriculture, minerals and automotive manufacturing across eligible Sub-Saharan African countries.
“For many SADC Member States, AGOA has contributed to export growth, enhanced competitiveness, and increased participation in regional and global value chains,” it said.
SADC cited Lesotho’s apparel industry as an example of how preferential market access, combined with investment and supportive policies, could contribute to industrial development.
It said Lesotho had expanded its apparel industry, attracted foreign direct investment and created thousands of jobs, particularly for women, through AGOA.
SADC said the extension presented an opportunity for member states to build on such gains and accelerate economic diversification.
“The extension to 2028 offers more than continued market access. It provides a valuable opportunity for SADC countries to build on existing successes and accelerate efforts to diversify their economies,” the regional body said.
SADC said the development came as the region pursued deeper economic integration through the Tripartite Free Trade Area and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
It said the recent SADC Summit had reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to building resilient economies through regional cooperation, industrialisation and greater participation in continental trade frameworks.
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