South Africa's government has welcomed the approval of a US preferential-trade deal before a key vote in the Senate, where Pretoria has faced opposition to its continued inclusion in the pact. The House of Representatives approved the three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which expired in September, by 340 votes to 54 on January 12. In South Africa, AGOA has played a vital role in boosting automobile and manufactured exports, with around 22 percent of the country's exports to the US benefiting from the scheme. This trade is worth billions of dollars and is estimated to support nearly half a million jobs. Channel Africa's economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.

South Africa's government has welcomed the approval of a US preferential-trade deal before a key vote in the Senate, where Pretoria has faced opposition to its continued inclusion in the pact. The House of Representatives approved the three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which expired in September, by 340 votes to 54 on January 12. In South Africa, AGOA has played a vital role in boosting automobile and manufactured exports, with around 22 percent of the country's exports to the US benefiting from the scheme. This trade is worth billions of dollars and is estimated to support nearly half a million jobs. Channel Africa's economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

SA welcomes US approval of three-year extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act

Ugandan opposition leader and presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was among millions who cast their votes today, as the country elects a leader. Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform, arrived at a polling station in Magere, on the outskirts of Kampala, accompanied by his wife and others. The vote comes as the international community has criticised the government of President Yoweri Museveni for imposing an internet shutdown ahead of the poll. Museveni is seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade as attempts to maintain his political strength and efforts to avoid the kind of unrest that has rocked neighbours Tanzania and Kenya as speculation mounts about his eventual succession. For more on what is happening on the ground, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Executive Director of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), Gilbert Sendugwa and Africa Deputy Director at Human Rights Watch, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz

Ugandan opposition leader and presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was among millions who cast their votes today, as the country elects a leader. Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform, arrived at a polling station in Magere, on the outskirts of Kampala, accompanied by his wife and others. The vote comes as the international community has criticised the government of President Yoweri Museveni for imposing an internet shutdown ahead of the poll. Museveni is seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade as attempts to maintain his political strength and efforts to avoid the kind of unrest that has rocked neighbours Tanzania and Kenya as speculation mounts about his eventual succession. For more on what is happening on the ground, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Executive Director of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), Gilbert Sendugwa and Africa Deputy Director at Human Rights Watch, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz

Ugandans take to the polls as 81-year-old President seeks 5th term in office

The Kenya's government has reportedly delayed signing a $1 billion US Dollars trade agreement with China, in a move seen by some as Nairobi's way of bowing to pressure from the United States, urging the country to prioritise the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The US trade programme has allowed qualifying Kenyan exports to enter US markets duty-free, and since its lapse in September 2025, Nairobi's textile and agricultural industries have been hit with tariffs. The reports of the delay on the proposed deal with Beijing, will result in a delay in government's approval from Kenya's Cabinet and Parliament. To discuss the impact of this decision on Kenya's economic landscape, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Victor Otieno, Managing Director of Viffa Consult and an expert in Kenyan Small and Medium Enterprise Policy and international trade.

The Kenya's government has reportedly delayed signing a $1 billion US Dollars trade agreement with China, in a move seen by some as Nairobi's way of bowing to pressure from the United States, urging the country to prioritise the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The US trade programme has allowed qualifying Kenyan exports to enter US markets duty-free, and since its lapse in September 2025, Nairobi's textile and agricultural industries have been hit with tariffs. The reports of the delay on the proposed deal with Beijing, will result in a delay in government's approval from Kenya's Cabinet and Parliament. To discuss the impact of this decision on Kenya's economic landscape, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Victor Otieno, Managing Director of Viffa Consult and an expert in Kenyan Small and Medium Enterprise Policy and international trade.

 Kenya's government delays $1 billion trade deal with China 'to appease US, aim for AGOA renewal'

India has officially assumed the BRICS presidency for 2026, unveiling a new logo and theme that positions the bloc as a voice for emerging economies. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar launched the branding on Tuesday - emphasizing New Delhi's priorities for the year - resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. This report by Ishan Garg from New Delhi.

India has officially assumed the BRICS presidency for 2026, unveiling a new logo and theme that positions the bloc as a voice for emerging economies. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar launched the branding on Tuesday - emphasizing New Delhi's priorities for the year - resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. This report by Ishan Garg from New Delhi.

SA welcomes US approval of three-year extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act

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