By Delisa Magagula
The renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has brought renewed clarity to Eswatini’s export sector following a period of uncertainty that had left manufacturers and investors in a holding pattern.
The United States Congress recently approved a three-year extension of AGOA, restoring assurance to eligible African countries that their duty-free access to the U.S. market will continue.
For Eswatini, where key industries depend on export stability, the decision is expected to ease pressure on firms that had been operating without long-term visibility.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade said the extension allows exporters to resume planning with greater confidence after months of speculation around AGOA’s future.
Worth mentioning AGOA has been a cornerstone of Eswatini’s export economy, particularly in the textiles and apparel sector, which supplies the U.S. market and employs thousands of workers.
The agriculture, agro-processing and light manufacturing sectors have also relied on the preferential access provided under the programme.
Industry observers say uncertainty over AGOA’s renewal had slowed investment decisions, with some exporters delaying expansion plans and buyers adopting a wait-and-see approach.
The three-year extension is expected to stabilise trade relationships and restore confidence among international buyers.
The ministry said the renewal provides predictability not only for exporters, but also for workers whose livelihoods are tied to AGOA-supported industries.
“The extension creates an enabling environment for long-term planning, investment and expansion of productive capacity,” the ministry said, noting that the continuation of duty-free access to the United States market remains critical for maintaining competitiveness.
The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini welcomes the approval by the United States Congress of a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
Beyond immediate trade benefits, the government said AGOA’s renewal strengthens Eswatini’s ability to position itself within global value chains at a time when many countries are reassessing supply routes and sourcing strategies.
The extension also comes as Eswatini seeks to attract new investment into manufacturing and value-added production. Government officials have previously highlighted the importance of leveraging existing trade frameworks to support industrialisation and employment creation.
Eswatini’s continued participation in AGOA is contingent on meeting eligibility requirements, including commitments to good governance, respect for the rule of law and the protection of workers’ rights.
The government reaffirmed that it remains fully committed to these principles. The ministry said it will continue working with the private sector, development partners and international stakeholders to ensure the country derives maximum benefit from the renewed arrangement.
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, issuing the statement on behalf of the government, expressed appreciation to the Government and Congress of the United States for approving the extension.
He said the renewal presents an opportunity for Eswatini to consolidate existing export gains while pursuing diversification into additional products and sectors.
While the renewal process moves toward completion, attention is expected to turn to how effectively Eswatini can use the three-year window to strengthen competitiveness, expand exports and create sustainable employment.
The ministry said the country intends to leverage the renewed market access to attract investment, support local industries and promote inclusive economic growth.
