The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a U.S. piece of legislation enacted in May 2000 with the goal of improving economic relations between the U.S. and various African countries. The act provides ‘eligible’ sub-Saharan countries with duty-free access to U.S. markets on over 1,800 products.
The eligibility is based on criteria such as a market-based economy, the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process. Additionally, countries must eliminate barriers to U.S. trade and investment, enact policies to reduce poverty, combat corruption, and protect human rights.
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