Impending US Trade Policy Changes Put Thousands of African Jobs at Risk

Tue Sep 30 2025 14:23:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) nears expiration, workers in garment factories are left apprehensive about their futures. The uncertain trade landscape poses significant challenges for jobs in countries like Kenya.

The impending expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), set to end soon, could drastically impact thousands of workers in Kenya's garment industry. With a significant portion of employment and trade relying on this act for duty-free access to the US market, the future remains uncertain as countries seek a one-year extension amidst growing apprehensions.

At Shona EPZ, a garment factory in Nairobi, Kenya, the usual hum of sewing machines is now filled with tension. Workers are increasingly anxious as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which has allowed several African nations to export goods to the US duty-free for 25 years, is set to expire soon.

The end of Agoa could have dire consequences for workers like Joan Wambui, whose livelihood is closely tied to the factory's operations. Her job, where she produces garments for the American market, plays a crucial role in supporting her family, including her four-year-old daughter and two college-age siblings. “If Agoa expires, where shall we go?” she expresses, highlighting the stark reality many Kenyan workers face as uncertainty looms.

Negotiations for a possible extension of Agoa are taking place, as envoys from African countries push for continued support from the US. With the White House reportedly in favor of a one-year extension, the expectation is hopeful yet unconfirmed.

Agoa's significance has been immense—seen as a pathway toward job creation and industrialization in Africa. The act has facilitated a thriving apparel sector in Kenya, with exports worth $470 million to the US in 2024 alone, supporting over 66,000 jobs, predominantly held by women.

However, the unknown future has already affected production at Shona EPZ, where output has dropped significantly as buyers hesitate to make long-term commitments. “If the extension isn't granted, we may have to send people home,” warns factory director Isaac Maluki, expressing the gravity of the situation. The impact of the policy change could ripple through Kenya and beyond, affecting over 30 African countries that benefit from Agoa.

Experts urge African nations to reconsider their approach in trade negotiations to ensure sustainable economic relationships with the US. As the clock ticks down to the expiration of Agoa, the urgency felt at factories like Shona EPZ encapsulates a broader story of hope, uncertainty, and the quest for opportunity amidst a shifting global trade landscape.