US House passes 3-year AGOA extension

The United States House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The trade programme gives more than 30 sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to American markets.

The vote last Monday passed by 340 in favour to 54 against.

The bill now goes to the Senate, where it will be further debated. And while most nations are expected to retain their eligibility, things could prove trickier for South Africa.

Africa’s most industrialised nation has had a rocky relationship with the Trump Administration, which has accused Pretoria of persecuting white citizens.