AGOA Extended Until 2026: Short-Term Visibility for Operators, Says Adil Ameer Meea

The extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 31, 2026, provides short-term visibility for economic operators. This was noted by Adil Ameer Meea, the Minister of Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives. In a statement released this Wednesday, he mentioned that the Government acknowledges the signature of the law prolonging this trade agreement by U.S. President Donald Trump.

While a longer extension had been considered, the final decision is for a mere one-year extension, within a known but time-limited framework. This situation, according to the minister, nevertheless confirms the strategic importance of trade relations between the United States and Africa.

Mauritius, he emphasizes, remains a reliable partner, respectful of the rules and committed to trade based on transparency and sustainability.

The Government is fully aware of the crucial nature of the 2026 deadline. This extension should be utilized as a strategic window to secure the future of Mauritian exports. To this end, efforts will be intensified to strengthen bilateral discussions with the United States and to explore the establishment of a specific Mauritius-U.S. trade agreement, in case AGOA is not renewed beyond 2026, the statement indicates.

At the same time, Mauritius will continue its strategy of market diversification, upgrading industrial capabilities, and enhancing the competitiveness of its exporters to sustainably maintain its position in a constantly evolving international trade environment.

The United States has reactivated AGOA for a duration of one year, allowing many African products to access the U.S. market duty-free. The agreement is extended until December 31, 2026, retroactive to September 30, 2025, the expiration date, as clarified by Jamieson Greer, the White House trade representative, in a statement.