The European Union (EU) has signed the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, a trade deal that, once ratified and in place, will enable the East African nation to receive duty- and quota-free access to the European economic giant.
The trade pact was signed by Kenyan President William Ruto on Monday this week in the capital Nairobi. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovski signed on behalf of the bloc.
The EU is Kenya’s second-largest trading partner, absorbing a fifth of all its exports. Brussels is also trying to strengthen economic ties with African trading partners to counter the expansion of China into the continent, particularly with extensive infrastructure projects.
Total trade between the EU and Kenya reached €3.3 billion in 2022, an increase of 27% compared to 2018. Kenya’s main exports to the EU are agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, tea, and coffee. Also, more than 70% of Kenya’s cut flowers are destined for Europe.
It is the first broad trade deal between the EU and an African nation since 2016.
