DRC–US: AGOA keeps an open window for Congolese exporters
Preferential access to the US market extended until 2028
The Democratic Republic of the Congo maintains its eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 2028. For Congolese companies, this extension provides more time to prepare and seek business opportunities in the United States.
AGOA allows eligible African countries to benefit from preferential access to the US market for specific products, provided they comply with the rules and requirements established by the program.
For the DRC, the challenge now is to transform this access into genuine trade opportunities. Benefiting from AGOA does not automatically translate into selling in the United States. Companies must still be able to produce in sufficient quantities, meet the required standards, prepare their documentation, and find buyers.
Sectors to explore
Agribusiness, processed goods, structured handicrafts, and certain non-mining industrial products are among the sectors that could be explored.
Interested companies are also encouraged to reach out to ANAPEX to better understand the export-related procedures and requirements.
BrandsBridge aims to connect businesses with the US market
This extension also opens up a clear path for BrandsBridge DRC: identifying Congolese companies with export potential, assessing their readiness level, and helping them better position themselves in the US market.
The concept behind the "DRC–USA Export Readiness" program is simple: start with the companies and their products, identify areas that need improvement, and then search for trade partners and buyers in the United States.
The market is open. The next step will be to see which Congolese companies are truly ready to enter it.
