Author: AGOA CSO Network Secretariat     Published: 12 /15/2025   AGOA

Welcome to the AGOA Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network Site!!!

The AGOA Civil Society (CSO) Network is a consortium of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), chambers of commerce, and other groups in the United States and Africa that are interested in the successful application of AGOA for the benefit of the American and African people.

On January 17, 2003, one hundred and two (102) Civil Society Organization (CSO) participants from the United States and Africa attending the AGOA Civil Society Forum in Phoenix, Mauritius, established the AGOA Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network. The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) and the Mauritius Council of Social Services were appointed co-chairs and tasked with establishing and managing the AGOA CSO Network’s Secretariat. The Network’s Secretariat was mandated to prepare for subsequent Civil Society Sessions of the AGOA Forum.

Since its inception, FDA has been the driving force in managing the AGOA CSO Network. FDA’s steadfast commitment has been evident in its leadership and proactive involvement in  AGOA legislative reforms and reauthorization since its enactment in 2000.

The AGOA CSO Network focuses on increasing the volume and quality of African exports under AGOA while educating stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean on this trade policy and how U.S. and African SMEs can maximize its benefits.

Ways and Means Committee

Markup Session of the Extension of AGOA

On December 10, 2025, the House Ways and Means Committee held a markup session and approved the AGOA Extension Act (H.R. 6500), advancing it to the full House for consideration. The bill retroactively extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through December 31, 2028, ensuring the continuity of duty-free trade benefits for eligible African countries.

During the markup, the Committee advanced several other key pieces of legislation, including the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act, which aligns Haiti’s trade preferences with the same 2028 timeline, H.R. 4930 on intellectual property rights in trade, and more. Together, these actions reflect a broad and active markup agenda.

Significance of the AGOA Extension

• Trade Stability: Prevents disruption in U.S.–Africa trade flows by retroactively covering the lapse since September 30, 2025.
• Economic Impact: Supports African exporters in textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing, while benefiting U.S. importers and consumers.
• Policy Alignment: Reinforces the U.S. commitment to Africa’s economic integration, complementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and initiatives such as AfrICANDO.

From here, the House leadership schedules the bill for debate and a vote. If the House passes it, the Senate takes up the legislation for its own review, markup, and floor action by the full Chamber. If the two chambers approve different versions, negotiators convene a conference committee to reconcile the differences. After both chambers approve the final unified bill, Congress sends it to President Trump for signature and enactment into law.

https://www.agoacsonetwork.org/

AGOA CSO Network

The AGOA CSO Network Secretariat c/o The Foundation for Democracy in Africa | 1200 G Street, NW Suite 800 | Washington, DC 20005 US