Uganda is positioning itself to expand exports to the United States following the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) 2026, signaling new opportunities for Ugandan businesses in the U.S.-Africa trade sector. Odrek Rwabwogo, chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID), said the extension restores an important trade opportunity for African countries and gives Uganda a chance to rebuild confidence among exporters and investors after its suspension from AGOA in January 2024.

AGOA was reauthorized on February 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump signed legislation extending the trade programme until December 31, 2026, with retroactive effect from September 30, 2025. This move ended months of uncertainty and reopens vital pathways for duty-free exports from sub-Saharan Africa, including agricultural products, textiles, apparel, and selected manufactured goods, to the U.S. market.

Rwabwogo emphasized that Ugandan officials maintained continuous engagement with U.S. lawmakers during the suspension to keep the country’s trade case active. “Meetings were held in December with officials from Senator Chris Coons’ office, alongside African ambassadors, civil society representatives, and trade experts,” he said.

He added that similar discussions took place with Congressman Jason Smith, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. These efforts, Rwabwogo noted, contributed to the committee’s bipartisan approval of the AGOA renewal. PACEID has continued supporting Ugandan exporters to maintain and strengthen their connections with U.S. buyers.

New commercial opportunities have emerged in cities such as Detroit, Chicago, and Atlanta, helping Ugandan businesses remain connected to the U.S. market even during periods of uncertainty.

U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer highlighted the importance of modernizing AGOA to align with contemporary trade dynamics. Greer said the United States will collaborate with Congress to enhance the programme, ensuring stronger outcomes for both Africa and the U.S., including improved market access for American businesses, farmers, and ranchers. The move restores duty-free access to the US market until the end of 2026, US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed on Tuesday.

AGOA eligibility requires countries to show progress toward market-based economies, uphold the rule of law, respect political pluralism, ensure due process, protect human rights, and remove barriers to U.S. trade and investment.

For Uganda, the reauthorization of AGOA offers a renewed opportunity to reposition its exporters and strengthen its trade footprint in the United States, opening doors for increased duty-free exports and sustainable growth in U.S.-Africa trade relations.