Cyril Ramaphosa Welcomes South Africa’s Inclusion in AGOA as US Renews Trade Deal Until End of 2026
- President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed South Africa's inclusion in the renewed African Growth and Opportunity Act
- The deal, which allows duty-free exports for eligible sub-Saharan countries, has been renewed for one year
- Social media users weighed in on the extension and President Ramaphosa's comments about the new deal
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and South Africa’s inclusion in it.
The act allows eligible sub-Saharan countries to export duty-free products from various sectors into the United States market. It was extended for another year and will now expire on 31 December 2026.
The extension was signed into law by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. There were concerns that South Africa would not be included among the African countries that benefit from AGOA due to the country's tense relationship with the United States of America.
DON'T MISS IT: Stay Away From Fake News With Our Short, Free Fact-Checking Course. Join And Get Certified!
Ramaphosa weighs in on AGOA extension
Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) headquarters in Pretoria, Ramaphosa discussed the decision to extend AGOA and include South Africa.
“South Africa remains in AGOA and my guess is that the tariff relief that we get from AGOA will apply.
"We are still in discussion with the US Trade Department, so our discussions are ongoing and I hope will lead to finalisation of a deal between South Africa and the US,” he explained.
The US House of Representatives initially approved a three-year extension following voting, which took place on 13 January 2026. Representatives voted by 340 to 54 to pass the renewal of AGOA, a move that was also welcomed by South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry, Parks Tau.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans discuss Ramaphosa's thoughts on AGOA extension
Social media users reacted to Ramaphosa's comments, sharing mixed reactions to them in the face of the country's issues with the United States. Some also shared their thoughts about Trump.
Sipho Ndlovu said:
“So that lunatic (Trump) decided to come back to his senses. That’s a first.”
Sibususo Orestes Daniel Nqunqeka stated:
“Trump knew there was no AGOA without SA.”
ArtistDzulani Trevor Sidogi noted:
“Ramaphosa is the most criticised president ever.”
Afrique'a Tswanacentric exclaimed:
“On issues of South Africa’s sovereignty, we stand united.”
Sicelo Nkosi said:
“That's good news.”
Themba Mofokeng noted:
“This comes just when South Africa and China is about to sign a free trade deal.”
DjDlakzin Mathye asked:
“So, America includes SA in AGOA but tries to push them out of G20?”
Melusi Mkhonza claimed:
“Just another trade deal that the US is using as a weapon to threaten South Africa. South Africa was better off without AGOA."
Senator calls South Africa the US's enemy
Briefly News also reported that Republican John Kennedy declared South Africa an enemy of the United States.
Kennedt made his remarks during a discussion on the extension of the AGOA on 9 December 2025 in the Senate.
He said that South Africa has close ties with the US's enemies, and as such, must be declared an enemy of the US.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
