US removes South Africa and Rwanda from AGOA trade programme

Summary

US President Donald Trump has cut South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade programme. Semafor reports that he formally notified Congress and both governments of the decision on Monday. BBC reports that the move comes barely a week after Rwanda's defence ministry was hit with sanctions by the US Treasury.

Timeline

1. BBC

   2 Nov 2026, 19:33 UTCSource ↗

   BBC reports that Trump is moving to remove Rwanda and South Africa from the US trade deal, a move coming barely a week after Rwanda's defence ministry was hit with US Treasury sanctions.

2. Semafor

   2 Nov 2026, 21:44 UTCSource ↗

   Semafor reports that Trump cut South Africa and Rwanda from the AGOA trade programme and that the president formally notified Congress and both governments of his decision on Monday.