Solidarity launches urgent campaign to keep South Africa in AGOA

Solidarity today launched an urgent campaign to ensure that South Africa remains on the list of beneficiary countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The organisation approached the White House with arguments as to why South Africa’s participation should be maintained. This follows Solidarity’s learning that the White House had begun its annual review process of AGOA beneficiaries.

There are currently 32 countries designated as beneficiaries.

Solidarity has actively participated in AGOA processes over the years, dating back to the renewal of the act in 2015 during the Obama era, as well as negotiations on South Africa’s participation during the first Trump administration and the Biden administration.

Last year, Solidarity was intensively involved in lobbying to have AGOA further extended and to secure South Africa’s participation in 2026. However, there is currently great uncertainty and concern about South Africa’s participation from January 2027.

Solidarity has worked regularly with the US Embassy in South Africa, the office of the US Trade Representative in Washington DC and members of the US Congress over the past 12 years to ensure that AGOA does not come to an end.

Several visits to Washington have garnered support for the extension of AGOA and for South Africa’s continued inclusion. The Solidarity Movement, including Solidarity and AfriForum, sent a delegation to the USA again last month to seek support for the extension until the end of December 2028 and to emphasise the economic importance of AGOA for ordinary South Africans.

AGOA offers significant benefits to South Africa. The agreement creates favourable trading conditions that support exports to the USA.

In 2024, the value of South African exports to the USA was R156,8 billion. Trade with the USA provides employment for approximately 576 000 South Africans, with thousands of dependents.

It benefits sectors such as the automotive industry, agriculture (including citrus), the chemical industry and textiles, and helps to ensure competitive prices and market access.

South Africa is the largest beneficiary among the AGOA countries. Its exclusion would not only penalise local workers and businesses, but also weaken the scope and influence of AGOA itself.

To ensure that South Africa remains on the list of beneficiaries in 2028, it is essential that the country meets the requirements for participation and that the diplomatic dispute with the USA is resolved. Solidarity urges the South African government to take urgent steps to meet these requirements, restore the bilateral relationship and address policy problems. Without concrete action, the risk of exclusion during the annual review remains high.

Jaco Kleynhans, head of public liaison at Solidarity, says AGOA is a lifeline for South African workers, businesses and exporters.

“We have worked hard for years to protect South Africa’s position through direct engagement in Washington. The recent visit has once again highlighted the economic importance for ordinary South Africans and American consumers.

“Today, we have approached the White House with clear arguments as to why South Africa should remain a part. We urge the government to urgently take the necessary steps to comply with the requirements and resolve the dispute with the USA.

“The workers and families who depend on these trade opportunities cannot pay the price for diplomatic mistakes,” says Kleynhans.

Solidarity will continue to work in Washington and locally to protect South Africa’s trade interests and press for better relations with the USA.