South Africa prepares for review of AGOA participation amid trade talks with the US

Clout/SA presents South African craftsmanship and contemporary design to a global audience, showcasing works ranging from hand-embroidered tapestries to sculptural lighting and geometric rugs.

South African design is unique in that it conveys stories through materials. Threads, beads, cork, clay, and wool cease to be mere decorations; they carry memories, reflect identity, and connect generations of artisans with a new audience. Clout/SA continues this tradition by integrating local designers and craftspeople into spaces where their creativity is the central element of the experience.

A striking example of this approach is Isaac Songwe's room in Johannesburg. It embodies the potential of South African creativity, which has been given a platform to be heard.

Clout/SA's Vision

Tracy Lynch, Executive Creative Director of Clout/SA, stated that the goal was to impress every visitor with powerful and vibrant expressions of South African design and craftsmanship. She emphasized the need for people to recognize the uniqueness of South African creativity and understand that the unity of South Africans creates a magnificent force capable of changing perceptions of the nation.

At the center of this room is 'The Resilience Piece'—a monumental embroidered tapestry from Keiskamma Art Project. This tapestry, created by approximately 12 artists over almost a year, documents the community's experience in rural Eastern Cape during the Covid-19 pandemic through complex textile narrative. Nearby are geometric rugs by Siyanda Mbele, cork sculptures by Wiid Design, beaded screens by Kalki Design Studio, and a handcrafted pendant light by Mash.T Design Studio, all adding their material languages to the space.

Sebo Mvubu, Director of Keiskamma Art Project, noted that the collaboration process helps them and connects them with the outside world. He added that they are quite isolated in Gamburg, Eastern Cape, and do not have much access to media or social networks. Winning the AIDA award recognizes their work and collaboration with Clout/SA, which helps promote their projects, community, and activities, opening new opportunities for partnerships and development.

Together, these works demonstrate how local design can transform interiors, making them more meaningful—a meeting place for craftsmanship, community, and modern South African identity. The project recently received recognition from Clout/SA at the inaugural African Interior Design Awards (AIDA) 2026 in Cotonou, Benin. Isaac Songwe's room was among three recognized projects, alongside the redesign of the Union House office and the textile collection Stitched: A Story of Our Home, developed in collaboration with Keiskamma Art Project and awarded 'Product of the Year' in the Home Goods and Decor category.

Beyond the Awards

Beyond the awards themselves, this recognition points to a broader movement in South African design that connects heritage and innovation while creating opportunities for local producers to reach new markets. Since 2021, Clout/SA has facilitated the export of South African design worth over 225 million rand, placing over 70,000 pieces in more than 25 countries.

Through its platform, collaborations, and continuous support for emerging designers, Clout/SA continues to bridge creative practice and commercial opportunities. Isaac Songwe's room embodies this vision, showing how design can preserve stories, elevate local talent, and change perceptions of South African creativity. In this context, design is more than just filling a room; it is a way of telling our stories on our own terms.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the country should prepare for the probability of being excluded from Washington's duty-free trade program for Africa, as relations between the two states continue to deteriorate.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants preferential access to the US market for eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, has been extended until the end of 2028. South Africa is the largest beneficiary of this scheme, but its right to participate has come under close scrutiny amid increasing criticism from Washington. This criticism includes false accusations of discrimination against white Africans, which South Africa rejects.

Ramaphosa noted that Congress has passed a resolution to keep South Africa in AGOA, and now it is up to the executive branch, as the agreement requires the signature of President Donald Trump after Congressional approval.

In response to an AFP journalist's question during a briefing, he added that by preparing for this scenario, they are not the first or only country that could be excluded from AGOA, and he believes they will not be the last.

Bilateral ties have deteriorated since Trump took office. Washington has cut aid, recalled the South African ambassador, and criticized Ramaphosa in the Oval Office over unsubstantiated claims of 'white genocide.' In mid-September, Washington imposed visa restrictions on South African citizens who promote 'racial discrimination, incitement to violence, or land confiscation in South Africa without compensation'—all issues disputed by both countries.

Last year, the United States launched a program to resettle white Africans claiming persecution and crime in South Africa. By September 30, the US accepted 16,287 South African citizens under this program in the previous year; they were the only ones to receive refugee status from Washington during this period, besides five Afghans.

The US President reviews the compliance of countries with AGOA requirements annually. Any exclusion requires notification to Congress and the relevant country 60 days in advance. To take effect on January 1st, the exclusion must be announced by November 2nd. Previously, President Joe Biden declared the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda non-compliant on October 30, 2023, with exclusions taking effect on January 1, 2024.

Ramaphosa stated that South Africa will seek alternative markets to minimize the consequences of such an exclusion. He emphasized the need for preparation, saying: 'As president, I need to prepare us in case this happens. So we shouldn't go out and jump off tall buildings and think it's the end of the world,' while acknowledging that the consequences would still be 'devastating.'

Under AGOA, Washington exempts vehicles from South African customs duties. According to South African tax authorities, after precious metals, vehicles are the second most significant source of foreign currency revenue for the country from the US. In 2025, the automotive industry organization Naamsa reported that 86,000 jobs are directly linked to this agreement at automotive manufacturing plants, and this number rises to 125,000 when subcontractors are included.