US to evict Gabon, Niger, Uganda, and Central African Republic from trade program.

Vice President Joe Biden of the United States announced that Gabon, Niger, Uganda, and the Central African Republic will no longer be able to participate in the trade initiative known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

As a justification for his actions, Vice President Biden cited allegations that the Central African Republic and Uganda had engaged in “gross violations” of internationally acknowledged human rights.

He also noted the failure of Gabon and Niger to cultivate or preserve political plurality and the rule of law in their respective countries.

In a letter addressed to the speaker of the House of Representatives in the United States, Vice President Joe Biden stated, “Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States concerns about their non-compliance with the AGOA eligibility criteria.”

Biden has indicated that he intends to withdraw these countries’ eligibility for benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beginning on January 1, 2024.

He assured them that he would continue to evaluate whether or not they met the requirements to participate in the program. The Trade and Development Act of 2000 (AGOA) made it possible for duty-free importation of certain goods into the United States from certain countries. Even though discussions over whether or not to extend it and for how long are underway, its expiration date is set for September 2025.

African governments and business groupings are advocating for an early, unaltered 10-year renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to assuage the concerns of businesses and to entice new investments.