Short-Term AGOA Extension Exposes Flaws in America’s Africa Trade Strategy

When the Trump administration let the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expire last year, many experts feared Washington was turning its back on an important continent at a time when global powers vie for influence. Now, with only a short-term extension through December 31, 2026, signed into law under pressure, it’s clear that America’s approach to trade with Africa remains unsettled and strategically shortsighted. Is America Sacrificing Long-Term Influence for Short-Term Political Gains? AGOA has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Africa trade since its inception in 2000 under President Clinton, providing duty-free access for nearly 1,800 products from eligible sub-Saharan...