Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, applauded House passage of legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for an additional three years. Rep. Sewell, a long-time champion of the AGOA program, praised the vote as a major step toward expanding trade partnerships, creating jobs, and strengthening democratic governance across the African continent.

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“AGOA has been one of the most successful trade programs in our nation’s history, opening doors for African nations while creating new opportunities for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers,” said Rep. Sewell. “Extending AGOA ensures that we continue building on this progress, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the bonds between the United States and our African partners. I am proud to support this legislation and thrilled to see it advance with such strong bipartisan backing.”

AGOA provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for thousands of products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. Over the past 25 years, it has helped spur economic growth, encourage investment, and foster stronger partnerships between the United States and Africa. The program has also supported job creation and expanded opportunities for American businesses seeking to engage in African markets.

The three-year extension will provide certainty for businesses and governments across Africa, while giving Congress time to consider longer-term reforms to strengthen and modernize the program.

A senior Member of the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Sewell has long championed AGOA as a tool for advancing both economic development and democratic governance. In October, Sewell called on Congress to extend the program alongside Ranking Member Richard Neal and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez. Last month, she celebrated as the bill advanced out of the Ways and Means Committee with broad bipartisan support.

The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate, where Rep. Sewell urged its swift consideration and passage.

“Our global competitors are investing heavily in Africa,” continued Sewell. “The United States must continue to lead. Passing this extension is a critical step in reaffirming our commitment to shared prosperity and democratic partnership.”

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