This bill does two main things: it extends a trade program with African countries and takes a closer look at the U.S. relationship with South Africa.

First, the bill extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is a program that gives certain African countries special trade benefits with the United States. Right now, this program was set to expire in 2025, but this bill pushes that expiration date to 2027. The bill also extends related programs that help African textile and apparel manufacturers access U.S. markets more easily. Additionally, it requires the U.S. Trade Representative to develop a plan within six months for negotiating individual trade deals with at least five African countries that participate in AGOA, focusing on countries that meet certain standards for democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

Second, the bill requires the President to conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. relations with South Africa within 120 days. This review is driven by concerns that South Africa has been cooperating too closely with China and Russia, particularly regarding Russia's war in Ukraine. The President must then report back to Congress with findings and a certification stating whether South Africa has engaged in activities that harm U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. The bill also requires a separate classified report identifying South African government officials and political party leaders who may have committed corruption or human rights abuses serious enough to warrant U.S. sanctions, along with timelines for when those sanctions might be imposed.