The European Union and Kenya signed a trade agreement in Nairobi on Monday, representing a strategic boost for Brussels in its quest for greater integration with Africa in the face of Chinese influence. During the signing ceremony, Kenyan Trade Minister Moses Kuria said it was a proud moment for both Kenya and the European Union. Kenyan President William Ruto was present at the signing of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement.
Once ratified and in force, the trade agreement will provide Kenyan products with duty-free and quota-free access to the EU’s largest market, which accounts for almost 20% of its exports. Agricultural products, such as tea, coffee, fruits, and vegetables, as well as 70% of its flowers, will be the main beneficiaries. In return, Kenya will gradually open its markets, although some sensitive products will be excluded. Tariffs on imports of European products, such as chemicals and machinery, will be progressively reduced over a 25-year period.
Ruto said Kenyan farmers can rest assured with a predictable market and an agreement that provides them with opportunities to expand their trade. The agreement guarantees a stable market for both Kenya’s agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as for European Union industries.
This agreement is the first trade deal between the EU and an African country since 2016, and it comes at a time when China continues to invest in numerous infrastructure projects across the continent. Africa is a priority region for the EU, and this agreement with Kenya, a key ally against climate change and a source of dynamism and opportunity, is expected to influence the rest of the continent.
The agreement signed in Nairobi represents one part of trade talks between the EU and the East African Community (EAC), which began nearly a decade ago. Although negotiations were initially concluded in 2014 with the EAC, which comprises Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania, only Kenya ratified it. European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis noted that the agreement remains open to other members of the East African Community, which now includes the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.