US-Africa trade pact extended

A key US-Africa trade program will be extended for two years when President Donald Trump signs the short-term government funding bill passed by the House on Tuesday.

The bill, easily passed in a 370-48 vote, extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act for two more years without modifying it.

The development represents an interim win for African governments worried about trade relations with the US under the Trump administration.

However, it “does not provide the certainty” that African businesses and governments need for long-term investment and planning, said Oge Onubogu, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Africa Program.

“I think the bigger question that African governments and businesses that benefit from AGOA have is, regardless of what administration is in office, what is the US’ long-term economic vision for Africa?” Onubogu asked. “There needs to be certainty, predictability, and clarity on what the US’ economic vision is.”

South Africa had lobbied for a 15-year extension of the trade program. Under the bill passed Tuesday, it’ll be extended through 2028.