Impending Expiration of US-Africa Trade Agreement Puts Thousands of Jobs at Risk

Wed Oct 15 2025 02:56:17 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The potential end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers, particularly in Kenya's garment industry. Amidst escalating uncertainty, African negotiators are intensifying efforts for an extension to safeguard employment and economic stability.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has facilitated duty-free access for certain African products to the US market for 25 years, is set to expire soon. Workers at Shona EPZ in Kenya, such as Joan Wambui, express concern for their jobs and future as the expiration could impact thousands. While some US officials support a one-year extension, negotiations are underway amidst fears of severe repercussions if the program ends. The fate of AGOA could reshape trade relations and economic opportunities across Africa.

At Shona EPZ, a garment factory in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, the tension is inescapable.

The industrious thrum of the heavy-duty sewing machines, along with the workers' chatter, normally fills the plant with a reassuring rhythm. But today every sound is tinged with uncertainty as the future of the firm is unclear because of the possible end of a key piece of US trade law.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), embedding in legislation a landmark trade agreement that has for 25 years given some African goods duty-free access to the US market, expires soon.

However, this policy is at odds with the Trump administration's record of imposing tariffs.

Envoys from various African countries have gone to the US to try to negotiate an extension. A White House official stated the administration supports a one-year extension to the program, but this has not yet been announced.

Considered the cornerstone of US-Africa economic relations, Agoa's aim was to help industrialise the continent, create employment and lift dozens of countries out of poverty, based on a philosophy of replacing aid with trade.

Agoa has proved very valuable for countries such as Kenya and Lesotho and the fate of thousands of workers, like 29-year-old Joan Wambui, is tied up with its future.

The end of the deal could spell the end of her job.

Ms Wambui has worked at Shona EPZ, helping to sew sportswear exclusively for the American market, for just six months. In that short time, her salary has become the mainstay of her household.

Losing her job would affect more than just her own life. If Agoa expires, she says, where shall we go? Her regular wage has meant dignity and the ability to pay school fees and keep food on the table.

Kenya's apparel industry has thrived under Agoa, exporting considerable amounts to the US and providing numerous jobs disproportionately held by women. Uncertainty regarding Agoa has already resulted in decreased factory output as buyers hesitate on long-term orders.

Trade discussions at the recent UN General Assembly highlighted the pressing need for negotiation, as future trade with the US is vital for many African nations.

Ultimately, the call for action is clear: African leaders need to secure the future of Agoa while also looking to diversify trade relations, ensuring economic stability and opportunities for young people like Ms Wambui.