USAfriTrade Resource Center

As part of its mission to foster, develop, and expand the strategic business alliance between the United States and Africa, the
U.S.-Africa Trade Commission (USAfriTrade) is committed to keeping our members apprised of the most recent developments
and business opportunities in the U.S. and African markets. Members have instant access to a comprehensive range of
information resources, including the quarterly Business Review Africa, sector reports, white papers, discussion forums, and key
contacts.

U.S.-Africa Trade at a Glance (2025–2026)

The commercial relationship between the United States and Africa continues to strengthen at a record pace. Total U.S. goods
trade with Africa reached an estimated $83.4 billion in 2025 — a substantial increase that underscores the growing economic ties
between the two regions.

50+

Total U.S.-Africa Goods Trade

Record high in 2025, reflecting deepening bilateral ties

$104.9B

Total Two-Way Trade (incl. Services)

Up 8.3% from 2023, including goods and services

$40.4B

U.S. Exports to Africa

Up 24.8% from the prior year — a historic surge

$43.0B

U.S. Imports from Africa

Up 8.7% from 2024, reflecting strong African supply

The U.S. goods trade deficit with Africa fell 64 percent to just $2.6 billion in 2025 — a reduction of $4.6 billion from 2024, signaling a more balanced and sustainable trade relationship.
U.S. goods trade with sub-Saharan Africa alone totaled $56.4 billion in 2025. U.S. exports to the sub-region rose 22% to $22.8 billion, while imports climbed 12% to $33.6 billion — demonstrating robust two-way momentum. Africa’s total exports to the world reached $650.8 billion in 2025, up 16.8% from five years earlier. The continent’s five largest exporters — South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria — collectively accounted for nearly half (48.5%) of Africa’s total export value.

Know About

Africa's Economic Outlook (2025–2027)

2025

4.4% average GDP growth. 22 economies above 5%.
12 of world's 20 fastest-growing economies are African.

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2026

4.2% projected growth – a slight moderation due to global geopolitical tensions. Total GDP projected at $3.6 trillion.

2027

4.4% rebound projected as structural reforms and infrastructure investment take hold across the continent.

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East Africa remains the continent’s fastest-growing region at 5.9%, supported by strong agricultural output and infrastructure investment. West Africa follows at 4.7%, while North Africa and Central Africa are projected at 4.0% and 3.8% respectively.

AGOA 2026 Update & Why Trade Matters

POLICY CORNERSTONE

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

The African Growth and Opportunity Act remains the cornerstone of U.S. trade policy with sub-Saharan Africa. Following its expiration in September 2025, AGOA was reauthorized on February 3, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with retroactive effect. Thirty-two countries are currently eligible for AGOA benefits, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, and Botswana, among others.

The program supports an estimated 450,000 jobs in the United States and delivers approximately $1 billion per year in benefits to American consumers. In 2024 alone, $8.23 billion worth of goods were exported under AGOA — half from South Africa (mainly cars, precious metals, and farm produce) and one-fifth from Nigeria (primarily oil and energy products).

The security and prosperity of the United States are linked with Africa’s like never before. Africa is home to six of the ten fastest-growing economies globally, and its total GDP is projected to reach $3.6 trillion by 2026.

INVESTMENT CASE

Why Trade and Investment with Africa?

1.55B

Population — a rapidly expanding consumer base and workforce

58%

Services sector share of GDP across sub-Saharan Africa

$97B

FDI in 2024 — up more than 75% from the prior year

$104.6B

Remittance flows in 2024 — up 14%, the largest source of external non-debt financing

Stay Informed — Join USAfriTrade

As part of our commitment to empowering members with actionable intelligence, the U.S.-Africa Trade Commission offers both complimentary and fee-based market research tools to help you analyze markets, gain insight into specific sectors, understand the business environment, and plan your next move.

"The security and prosperity of the United States are linked with Africa's like never before — and USAfriTrade is your gateway to that opportunity

For further information, visit the Office of the United States Trade Representative or explore trade data at the U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade portal.