Explainer-What does the expiry of a US trade deal mean for African economies?

FILE PHOTO: Kenyan workers prepare clothes for export at the New Wide Garment Export Processing Zone (EPZ) factory operating under the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), in Kitengela, Kajiado County Kenya September 19, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi/File Photo

NAIROBI (Reuters) -African officials and business executives are fretting over the impending expiry of a crucial, duty-free trade programme with the United States at the end of September, without any word from Washington on whether it will be extended or not.

Here are some questions and answers on the duty-free trade programme for qualifying products from eligible African nations, known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA.