US-Africa Trade Program: Biden's Tough Decision

Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic (CAR) have been removed from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) programme, according to a major announcement made by US President Joe Biden. With the introduction of Agoa in 2000, over 1,800 products can now be imported into the US duty-free for qualifying countries in sub-Saharan Africa.




President Biden made this choice because he was concerned about "gross violations" of human rights and the slow progress these nations were making towards democratization. Due to their absence of democratic plurality and the rule of law, Niger and Gabon, which are currently governed by the military as a result of coups this year, did not meet the requirements for eligibility.

Also expelled from Agoa were the governments of Uganda and the Central African Republic for "gross violations of internationally recognised human rights." Relations between Uganda and the US were already strained due to the contentious anti-homosexuality law that was passed there.

Although the effects of this removal will differ, Agoa is credited with increasing exports, economic expansion, and employment generation in member nations. Uganda, Gabon, and Niger would suffer economically, although CAR is less affected due to its low US exports.

This move is another example of how the Biden administration is prepared to go above and beyond in trade negotiations to protect democracy and human rights.

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