What will happen to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which gives sub-Saharan countries duty-free access to US markets? AGOA is about to expire in September, 2025. South Africa, which has a larger share of exports to the US than other African countries, would be affected the most if AGOA is not extended.

The current rise of protectionism on world markets, promoted by US president Donald Trump, can act as an infectious disease. Once it emerges, it can spread widely.

African countries should respond to the growing protectionism by unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area, according to NAI researchers. “The trade war sends a clear signal to Africa that it is time to go south,” they say.