ISTANBUL 

The African Union (AU) called on the US Senate on Wednesday to approve a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), following overwhelming bipartisan passage of the bill in the House of Representatives.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the preferential trade initiative as a “cornerstone of U.S.–Africa economic relations,” according to an AU statement.

He welcomed the House’s approval and praised the bipartisan support, “reflecting the enduring commitment” of Washington to boosting trade, investment, and shared prosperity with African economies.

Highlighting AGOA’s role in fostering mutually beneficial economic ties and reinforcing Africa’s position as a reliable partner in global trade, Youssouf urged the Senate to give the extension “favorable and timely consideration,” in a “spirit that upholds partnership, and shared strategic interests,” as the bill moves forward.

The House adopted the bill by a vote of 340-54 amid uncertainty over the renewal of AGOA, which expired last September following its 10-year extension in 2015.

AGOA is a special law enacted in 2000 that grants duty-free access to nearly 40 sub-Saharan African nations to US markets.