By Duncan Miriri

NAIROBI (Reuters) -African officials and business executives are fretting over the impending expiry of a crucial, duty-free trade programme with the United States at the end of September, without any word from Washington on whether it will be extended or not.

Here are some questions and answers on the duty-free trade programme for qualifying products from eligible African nations, known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA.

WHAT IS THE AGOA TRADE AGREEMENT?

AGOA has been the centrepiece of U.S. economic engagement with Africa since it was enacted in 2000, seeking to foster investments, job creation and economic growth through provision of access to the vast U.S. consumer market.

AGOA is a preferential trade deal, offering duty-free, quota-free access for

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