U.S. President Barack Obama has restored privileged U.S. trade partner status to Ivory Coast, Guinea and Niger following democratic gains in the African countries.

The White House announced Tuesday that the president's proclamation comes after an annual review of the African Growth and Opportunity Act .

National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor said the three countries had previously lost the trade preferences and other benefits guaranteed by the act due to undemocratic changes in government.

But last year Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Niger held elections that were considered free and fair, under the criteria of AGOA. These include the establishment of a market-based economy and the rule of law, policies designed to reduce poverty and steps to protect workers rights and combat corruption.

Vietor said President Obama's proclamation is good news for the people of the three African countries and for the U.S. businesses and workers dealing with them.

U.S. President Bill Clinton signed the African Growth and Opportunity Act into law in 2000 to expand U.S. trade and investment with sub-Saharan Africa.