15 January 2026
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The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC warmly welcomes the approval of the AGOA Bill Extension. As organised business, we believe that if this decision is passed, it will benefit not only large businesses but also our SMMEs.
This approval will provide relief for our SMMEs that are exporting by reducing tariff pressures and will bring much-needed stability should the bill be passed. Furthermore, this bill will help greatly in strengthening South Africa as a manufacturing hub, positioning the country as a key international player, while also contributing to the reduction of the influx of cheap goods.
Not only will this impact businesses, but it will also indirectly impact job creation, reduce unemployment, and improve business confidence in South Africa. It has the potential to enable us to leverage our unique economic architecture, particularly the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Port to drive GDP growth.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC strongly believes that government needs to ensure that they put aside their differences for the benefit of the country, while ensuring that we uphold our principles.
As organised business, we will continue to support this decision, and we will be following this matter and US–SA relations very closely to keep our members informed, as we believe that this agreement will further enhance our resilient economy.
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About the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Founded in 1856, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC is the largest member-based metropolitan chamber in Southern Africa. We represent approximately 3,000 businesses in eThekwini and beyond, ranging from multinationals to corporates and SMMEs. Since 2019, we also represent 54,000 informal sector businesses through their business associations. Policy and advocacy are at the heart of our work and we assist members with securing trade and investment opportunities locally and internationally, providing business advisory services (CIPC, Certificate of Origin, ITC checks, HR consultancy and more) across a broad spectrum of sectors, engaging thought leadership through forum webinars and other networking events, sharing business information through digital platforms, and also sourcing business insights through occasional questionnaires. The Durban Chamber advocates and influences policy decisions that affect the interests of business (tax legislation, import and export regulations and more), offering member benefits and providing information relevant to business decision-making. As a business-based and member-focused organisation, our strategic purpose is to help create a conducive economic and business environment to facilitate and promote economic growth in the region in partnership with key stakeholders.
For more info, contact the Durban Chamber on 031 335 1000 or info@durbanchamber.co.za
Our website is www.durbanchamber.co.za
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Comment attribution: Palesa Phili, CEO, The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Media contacts:
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Ms Zanele Khomo
Chief Growth Officer
T: +27 31 335 1000
E: khomoz@durbanchamber.co.za
