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Growing Exclusions Cast Doubt on AGOA’s Future

While the U.S. Congress agreed to the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by 2025, a recent decree issued on December 29, 2023, resulted in the exclusion of four countries – the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda – from AGOA’s preferential market access, bringing the total number of excluded nations to nine.

First established in 2000, the AGOA grants duty-free access to the American market for over 6,800 products ranging from textiles and apparel to agricultural goods and manufactured items. For eligible African countries, this preferential treatment translates to market expansion and reduced costs.

From ongoing civil unrest to human rights violations, here’s a breakdown of the reasons for their exclusions:

Central African Republic

The U.S. cited a lack of democratic processes, the protection of political pluralism and respect for the rule of law as contributing factors. There are also concerns over the ongoing armed conflict, civilian abuses, and limitations on fundamental freedoms.

Gabon and Niger

Both nations experienced military coups, raising immediate concerns about democratic backsliding and instability, which directly violates AGOA’s fundamental eligibility criteria. In Gabon, a coup by the miliary deposed President Ali Bongo Ondimba in January 2023, while Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from office and detained by the military in October 2023.

Uganda

The U.S. cited violations of internationally recognized human rights: This was primarily attributed to the passage and implementation of the Same-Sex Relationships (Prohibition) Act 2023, which criminalizes same-sex relationships and carries potentially severe penalties.

The growing list of exclusions raises questions about the program’s eligibility criteria in the evolving African landscape. This comes at a time when alternative options beckon, as BRICS and countries like China and Russia are actively making inroads in Africa, offering economic partnerships and preferential trade agreements.