19 September 2025
US Africa Week Ahead: Defense Bill, AGOA Lobbying, and Trump Envoys move Forward
According to The Africa Report, U.S. lawmakers are considering a $1 trillion defense policy bill with provisions that touch on African security assistance, while debates in Washington over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have prompted lobbying efforts by African governments and business groups. At the same time, allies of president Trump are pushing to expand their influence on U.S.-Africa policy through lobbying initiatives and envoy appointments, underscoring Africa’s role in both trade and political strategy as the U.S. election season advances.
66,000 Kenyans to Lose Jobs if AGOA not Renewed Kenya
According to Africanews, Kenya’s Export Promotion Council has warned that more than 66,000 jobs are at risk if the United States does not renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) before it expires in 2025. The majority of these jobs are concentrated in the textile and apparel sector, which relies heavily on AGOA’s duty-free access to the U.S. market. Officials emphasized that the program has been a critical driver of employment and exports, and urged swift action to secure its extension in order to protect livelihoods and sustain Kenya’s industrial growth.
Kenya Faces Looming AGOA Expiry As Government Races To Secure Trade Lifeline
According to Arise News, Kenya is facing mounting pressure as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) approaches its 2025 expiry, with the government intensifying efforts to secure an extension. Officials view AGOA as a vital trade lifeline, especially for the country’s textile and apparel industries, which have benefited from duty-free access to the U.S. market. The report notes that without renewal, Kenya risks significant job losses and reduced export competitiveness, prompting Nairobi to step up diplomatic lobbying in Washington while also exploring broader trade diversification strategies.
Kenyan Manufacturers Woo Trump for 2-Year Extension of AGOA
According to Kenyans.co.ke, Kenyan manufacturers are lobbying former U.S. President Donald Trump to support a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) ahead of its 2025 expiry. Industry leaders argue that the short-term renewal would provide stability for exporters, particularly in the textile and apparel sector, while allowing time for longer-term negotiations on U.S.-Africa trade. They stress that the uncertainty around AGOA’s future threatens jobs and investment, making continued access to the U.S. market critical for Kenya’s manufacturing and economic growth.
Moses Kau Raises Alarm on US Bill Targeting ANC Leaders and South Africa’s Economy
According to Central News South Africa, ANC MP Moses Kau has raised concerns over a proposed U.S. bill that seeks to impose sanctions on senior ANC leaders and could negatively impact South Africa’s economy. Kau argued that the legislation represents an infringement on the country’s sovereignty and warned it could strain U.S.-South Africa relations. He emphasized that such measures risk undermining economic stability and development, calling instead for constructive engagement and dialogue between the two nations.
US Senate Introduces Second Bill to Sanction ANC and Review South Africa Relations
According to Newcastillian News, U.S. Congressman Joe Kennedy has introduced a bill proposing sanctions on ANC leaders, citing concerns about corruption and governance in South Africa. The legislation, if passed, would target individuals accused of undermining democratic institutions, with potential economic repercussions for the country. The move has drawn criticism from some South African officials, who view it as foreign interference, while supporters in the U.S. argue it is necessary to hold leaders accountable and protect democratic values.
U.S. Firms Step up Push to Quash Kenya’s Digital Tax
According to Business Daily Africa, U.S. companies are intensifying their efforts to pressure Kenya to scrap its digital services tax, arguing that the levy disproportionately affects American tech firms operating in the country. The firms contend that the tax creates an uneven playing field and discourages investment, while Kenya maintains that it is a necessary measure to boost domestic revenue. The dispute has become a sticking point in trade discussions, with Washington signaling that the issue must be resolved as part of broader negotiations on future economic cooperation.
African Manufacturers in Last-Ditch Bid to Extend U.S. Trade Program
According to Business Day Nigeria, African manufacturers are making a final push to secure an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) before its 2025 expiry. Industry leaders warn that the loss of duty-free access to the U.S. market would severely impact sectors such as textiles, apparel, and agriculture, leading to widespread job losses and reduced export revenues. They argue that AGOA has been instrumental in driving industrial growth across the continent and are urging U.S. policymakers to act swiftly, framing renewal as essential for sustaining trade, investment, and economic stability in Africa.
South African Trade Officials in Washington for Tariff Talks and Efforts to Ease Tensions
According to MSN, South African trade officials have traveled to Washington for talks aimed at addressing tariff disputes and reducing tensions with the United States. The discussions are focused on resolving issues that have strained bilateral trade relations, including concerns over U.S. tariff measures and South Africa’s economic policies. Officials hope the engagement will ease friction, safeguard market access, and strengthen cooperation at a time when broader questions about the future of U.S.-Africa trade agreements, such as AGOA, remain unresolved.
AGOA: Will Lobby Efforts Secure Extension?
According to CNBC Africa, business and government leaders across the continent are intensifying lobbying efforts in Washington to secure an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) before its 2025 expiry. Stakeholders argue that the program has been critical for boosting African exports, particularly in textiles and agriculture, and that its lapse would jeopardize jobs and investment. The report underscores that maintaining AGOA is seen as essential for sustaining Africa’s trade relationship with the United States, even as countries also explore broader strategies for economic diversification.
AGOA on the Edge: Renewal and Reform Should go Hand-in-Hand
According to Zawya, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) faces an uncertain future as its 2025 expiry approaches, with calls mounting for both renewal and reform. Policymakers and analysts stress that while AGOA has provided vital duty-free access to the U.S. market, its impact has been uneven across African countries. They argue that any extension should be paired with reforms to make the program more inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with Africa’s long-term development goals. The debate highlights the need to balance immediate trade benefits with structural changes that could strengthen U.S.-Africa economic relations over the long term.
Kenya Seeks to Strike U.S. Trade Deal by Year-End, Trade Minister Says
According to CNBC Africa, Kenya’s Trade Minister announced that the government is working to conclude a trade deal with the United States by the end of the year. The initiative comes as uncertainty surrounds the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which expires in 2025. Officials emphasized that a bilateral agreement would help secure market access for Kenyan exports, particularly in textiles and agriculture, while also strengthening broader economic ties with Washington. The minister underscored the urgency of finalizing talks to provide stability for exporters and attract investment amid shifting global trade dynamics.
African Manufacturers Lobby U.S. for Crucial AGOA Extension
According to Devdiscourse, African manufacturers are actively lobbying U.S. policymakers to secure an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), warning that its expiration in 2025 would threaten jobs, exports, and industrial growth across the continent. Business leaders argue that AGOA has been instrumental in fostering trade and investment, particularly in textiles, apparel, and agriculture, and stress that uncertainty over its future is already discouraging investment. They are urging Washington to act quickly, framing renewal as critical not only for Africa’s economic stability but also for strengthening U.S.-Africa trade relations.
Events – 09/19/2025
The Africa Debate- UAE. Dubai. 30 September 2025.
The Next 3 Billion Summit. New York, New York. 24 September 2025.
Beyond the Hype: Tackling AI Challenges in Africa. London, England. 2 October 2025.