Trump Removes South Africa and Rwanda from AGOA Trade Program

President Donald Trump announced the removal of South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade program that grants duty-free access to the U.S. market. The exclusions will take effect on January 1 following an annual eligibility review led by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The administration cited corruption, national security threats, and barriers to U.S. investment as the primary drivers for the decision. Regarding South Africa, the program's largest beneficiary, Trump criticized Black ownership requirements and affirmative action laws, alleging they discriminate against the white minority. He further cited South Africa's diplomatic relations with Iran and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Rwanda was removed based on U.S. allegations that the country supports the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Trade Minister Parks Tau stated the nation had already sought alternative international markets to mitigate the impact. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe rejected the U.S. claims, arguing that Rwanda should not be treated as a scapegoat for the conflict in the Congo.