Ambitious EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement Enters into Force Brussels, Belgium – August 1, 2023 The European Union and Kenya have announced the entry into force of their Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), marking a significant milestone in their bilateral trade relations. The EPA, which was signed in March 2021, creates a free trade area between the EU and Kenya. It eliminates tariffs on 96% of goods traded between the two parties, making it easier and cheaper for businesses to trade. The EPA also includes provisions on trade in services, investment, intellectual property, and sustainable development. It aims to promote economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in both Kenya and the EU. Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis said: “The entry into force of the EU-Kenya EPA is a testament to our enduring commitment to trade and economic cooperation. It will help to boost trade and investment, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable development in both Kenya and the EU.” Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Investment, and Industry, Moses Kuria, said: “This agreement is a game-changer for Kenya’s economy. It will provide our businesses with preferential access to the vast EU market, attract foreign investment, and help us to create jobs and reduce poverty.” The EU-Kenya EPA is part of a broader strategy to promote free and fair trade in the African continent. The EU has already signed similar agreements with other African countries, including Ghana, Ivory Coast, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The entry into force of the EU-Kenya EPA is expected to increase trade between the two parties by up to 20% in the coming years. It is also likely to attract new investment and create more jobs, especially in the manufacturing and services sectors.EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement Enhances Fresh Produce TradeEU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement Enhances Fresh Produce Trade The recently implemented Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and Kenya is bringing significant benefits to the region’s fresh produce sector. According to the European Commission, the agreement has increased the volume of fresh produce exported from Uganda and Tanzania through the Mombasa port. This has benefited farmers and traders in both countries by providing access to a larger market. The EPA aims to strengthen trade and investment between the EU and Kenya, reducing tariffs on goods and promoting market access. It also includes provisions for cooperation in various areas, including agriculture and food safety. “The EU-Kenya EPA is a win-win partnership that supports the growth and development of the fresh produce sector in the region,” said a spokesperson for the EU. News sources such as Mirage News and HortiDaily have highlighted the positive impact of the EPA on the trade of fresh produce from Tanzania and Uganda. The agreement has facilitated increased exports of products such as avocados, mangoes, and pineapples to the EU market. The EPA’s implementation is a significant step towards fostering regional cooperation and economic development. It demonstrates the commitment of the EU and Kenya to promote sustainable trade and benefit the agricultural sectors in the participating countries.The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and Kenya entered into force on 1st May 2023. The EPA is a comprehensive trade and economic cooperation agreement that builds on a long-standing partnership between the two parties. It provides for the gradual liberalisation of trade in goods and services, as well as cooperation in a wide range of areas including investment, sustainable development, and good governance. The EPA is expected to boost trade and investment between the EU and Kenya, and to support Kenya’s economic development. The EU is Kenya’s largest trading partner, accounting for around 30% of its total trade. The EPA is expected to increase trade between the two parties by up to 20% in the next five years. The EPA also includes provisions to support Kenya’s development, such as assistance with trade capacity building and infrastructure development. The EPA has been welcomed by both the EU and Kenya. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said that the EPA “will provide a solid foundation for increased trade and investment between the EU and Kenya, and will support Kenya’s economic development.” Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said that the EPA “is a major milestone in our relations with the EU, and will help us to achieve our economic goals.” The EPA has been ratified by both the EU and Kenya. It will now be implemented by the two parties, and is expected to have a significant positive impact on trade and economic cooperation between the EU and Kenya.