The European Union and four Eastern and Southern African (ESA) States—Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles—have successfully concluded negotiations on
an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), marking a significant milestone in EU-Africa economic relations.
European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič joined the official conclusion ceremony via videoconference, hosted in Mauritius.
The enhanced EPA is the first agreement of its kind between the European Union and partners in Sub-Saharan Africa. It establishes a modern framework for trade, investment, and sustainable economic cooperation, while remaining open for accession by other ESA countries.
Strengthening economic ties and sustainable growth
The agreement provides a stable and predictable framework designed to deepen economic integration between the EU and ESA States. It aims to promote diversification, attract investment, create new business opportunities, and support sustainable development across the region.
By expanding cooperation beyond traditional goods trade, the EPA addresses key areas shaping modern economies, including services, digital trade, intellectual property protection, public procurement, and sustainability.
Key features of the enhanced EPA
Services and investment
The agreement improves market access and legal certainty for service providers while creating a more predictable investment environment. Investors on both sides will benefit from fair and non-discriminatory treatment, encouraging greater cross-border economic activity.
Public procurement
Businesses will gain improved access to transparent public procurement opportunities. Clear rules and greater visibility into public tenders are expected to support economic modernization and infrastructure development across ESA countries.
Intellectual property protection
The EPA establishes a comprehensive intellectual property framework covering major IP categories and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. It will also provide protection for 135 European Geographical Indications (GIs) in Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles following a transition period.
Digital trade
The agreement promotes digital commerce by facilitating electronic transactions, preventing customs duties on electronic transmissions, reducing administrative barriers, and enhancing online consumer protection. These provisions are expected to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen digital trade links between Europe and Africa.
Sustainability commitments
A dedicated Trade and Sustainable Development chapter includes binding and enforceable commitments covering labour rights, environmental protection, climate action, gender equality, and responsible business conduct. The Paris Climate Agreement is recognized as an essential element of the partnership.
Agriculture cooperation
The agreement introduces a new agricultural partnership aimed at strengthening dialogue and promoting more sustainable agri-food value chains across participating countries.
Supporting regional transformation
Implementation of the EPA will be backed by economic and development cooperation initiatives designed to strengthen trade and investment frameworks in the four ESA countries. These efforts will support structural economic transformation, improved governance, regional integration, and long-term sustainable growth.
Economic significance
The European Union is the largest trading partner of the ESA4 countries, accounting for 24% of their total trade in goods and 33% of total trade in services.
In 2024, total trade in goods and services between the EU and the ESA4 reached €9.7 billion, including €5.2 billion in EU imports and €4.5 billion in EU exports.
The agreement is expected to create new opportunities in strategic sectors such as mining, manufacturing, renewable energy, and services, supporting both Africa’s economic development and Europe’s green transition objectives.
Next steps
The negotiated text will now undergo the EU’s internal approval procedures before being submitted to the Council of the European Union for signature and conclusion. Following Council approval, the agreement will require the consent of the European Parliament before entering into force.
The agreement will also require ratification by the participating ESA States. In the interim, the parties may choose to provisionally apply the agreement.
Negotiations continue with Zimbabwe, and the enhanced EPA remains open to accession by other ESA countries.
Background
The ESA States launched negotiations in 2019 to upgrade the existing interim EPA. The objective was to move beyond a framework focused primarily on goods trade and development cooperation and create a comprehensive partnership capable of supporting economic transformation, local value addition, competitiveness, and regional integration.
The enhanced EPA represents a major step forward in building a modern, resilient, and mutually beneficial economic partnership between Europe and Africa.
Photo by Simisa, Wikimedia commons.