United States Renews AGOA, Opening Major Export Opportunities for the DRC

Kinshasa, February 4, 2026 - The United States Congress has officially renewed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 31, 2026, allowing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to continue exporting over 6,000 products duty-free to the American market. Government Welcomes Renewal The Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya, hailed the decision on Wednesday, February 4, describing it as a “strong signal” for the diversification of the national economy. He emphasized that the renewal reflects international recognition of Kinshasa’s economic reform efforts. The DRC has identified 26 priority products eligible for U.S. trade preferences, and Minister Paluku urged economic operators, particularly in agribusiness, to seize the opportunity. “We are calling on our economic operators: cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and many other products are included. This allows our people to return to their roots, to cultivate more. Today, the American market is available to Congolese people to sell their products,” the minister declared. Banana Port: Key Infrastructure Boost In parallel with the AGOA renewal, the minister provided an update on the deep-water port of Banana, crucial for shipping Congolese exports. During his mission to Dubai, he met executives of DP World, the concessionaire of the port. Key updates include: Deadline: Completion of the first phase by the end of 2026 Impact: Arrival of the first cargoes and improved trade flow between the DRC and global markets Goal: Reduce reliance on neighboring countries’ ports and enhance export competitiveness AGOA Forum in Kinshasa The renewal of AGOA coincides with preparations for the next AGOA Forum in Kinshasa. Experts suggest that the combination of preferential access to the U.S. market and the upcoming Banana port commissioning could transform the country’s trade balance, traditionally dominated by mining exports.

Faits rapportés

Kinshasa, February 4, 2026 - The United States Congress has officially renewed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 31, 2026, allowing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to continue exporting over 6,000 products duty-free to the American market. Government Welcomes Renewal The Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya, hailed the decision on Wednesday, February 4, describing it as a “strong signal” for the diversification of the national economy. He emphasized that the renewal reflects international recognition of Kinshasa’s economic reform efforts. The DRC has identified 26 priority products eligible for U.S. trade preferences, and Minister Paluku urged economic operators, particularly in agribusiness, to seize the opportunity. “We are calling on our economic operators: cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and many other products are included. This allows our people to return to their roots, to cultivate more. Today, the American market is available to Congolese people to sell their products,” the minister declared. Banana Port: Key Infrastructure Boost In parallel with the AGOA renewal, the minister provided an update on the deep-water port of Banana, crucial for shipping Congolese exports. During his mission to Dubai, he met executives of DP World, the concessionaire of the port. Key updates include: Deadline: Completion of the first phase by the end of 2026 Impact: Arrival of the first cargoes and improved trade flow between the DRC and global markets Goal: Reduce reliance on neighboring countries’ ports and enhance export competitiveness AGOA Forum in Kinshasa The renewal of AGOA coincides with preparations for the next AGOA Forum in Kinshasa. Experts suggest that the combination of preferential access to the U.S. market and the upcoming Banana port commissioning could transform the country’s trade balance, traditionally dominated by mining exports.