African governments, exporters and business leaders are preparing for a potential shift in the continent’s trade relations as the temporary extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) approaches expiration in December 2026.
The development comes as African economies navigate changes in global trade, expanding digital markets, new offshore energy discoveries, critical-minerals diplomacy and rapid urbanization.
The implications of AGOA’s expiry are expected to be discussed at the Financial Times’ 13th annual Africa Summit, scheduled for October 21–22, 2026, at The Landmark in London.
The summit will be held under the theme “Mobilising Growth in a New Global Order” and will bring together African heads of state, government officials, investors, corporate executives and entrepreneurs.
AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with preferential access to the United States market for thousands of products. Its possible expiration has increased pressure on African countries to diversify export markets, strengthen regional trade and reduce dependence on preferential arrangements.
The summit is expected to examine how governments and businesses can respond to shifting US tariff policies and changes in longstanding trade relationships.
Among the speakers scheduled to attend are Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote, former Senegalese President Macky Sall, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, United Kingdom Minister of State for International Development and Africa Baroness Jennifer Chapman, Nigerian Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele and Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide.
The agenda will focus on geopolitics, cross-border finance, energy transition, infrastructure development, technology and investment.