Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade programme
The decision to exclude both nations from the African Growth and Opportunity Act will take effect from 1 January 2027.
US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his plan to remove South Africa and Rwanda from a preferential trade programme starting 1 January 2027, according to BBC News.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) enables eligible African nations to export thousands of products to the US without paying duties. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that an annual review showed both countries were not meeting the programme's eligibility criteria.
The Trump administration cited trade and investment barriers, national security concerns, and foreign policy interests in the region as reasons for the move. For Rwanda, Washington also raised issues regarding workers' rights, the rule of law, political pluralism, and human rights.
The announcement follows US Treasury sanctions on Rwanda's defence ministry last week over its alleged involvement in the armed rebellion in eastern DR Congo. The US Treasury alleged the ministry provided weapons, training, and logistics to M23 rebels.
US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III said on X that South Africa's policies led to the termination. He described the situation as a predictable and preventable outcome caused by the South African government rejecting US concerns.
Greer said the Trump administration is working to ensure African partners take the steps required to satisfy eligibility requirements.
