The US has announced the reinstatement of Mauritania’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) program following a review of its eligibility status. This reinstatement will take effect in January of the next year.
The decision comes after Mauritania made significant strides in improving worker rights and eliminating forced labor, according to the US trade office. In 2019, the Agoa trade benefits were suspended due to concerns about labor rights violations in the country.
This development follows the recent decision by US President Joe Biden to terminate Agoa benefits for Gabon, Niger, Uganda, and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Gabon and Niger lost their Agoa eligibility due to recent coups, while Uganda and CAR saw their benefits terminated because of human rights violations. Previously, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea were also expelled from Agoa after military takeovers in their respective countries.
Mauritania’s economy heavily relies on extractive industries, particularly oil and minerals, which constitute more than three-quarters of its exports. Fisheries, animal husbandry, and agriculture also contribute significantly to the country’s government revenues.
The Agoa program, introduced in 2000, grants eligible sub-Saharan African nations duty-free access to the US for over 1,800 products, promoting trade between the US and Africa.