EU Signs New Economic Partnership Agreement with Eastern and Southern African Countries
The European Commission announced the completion of negotiations between the European Union and four Eastern and Southern African countries (ESA) on Wednesday.
The countries involved are Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, with the agreement aiming to strengthen economic ties and promote regional economic integration.
Key Aspects of the Agreement
- Covers services, investments, public contracts, intellectual property rights, digital trade, and sustainable development
- Provides greater legal certainty and predictability for businesses operating in both markets
- Ensures fair and non-discriminatory treatment of investors
- Establishes transparency and access to information rules for public contracts
- Includes modern framework for protection of intellectual property rights
- Covers digital trade, facilitating electronic transactions and protecting consumers
- Dedicated chapter on sustainable development, including labor rights, environmental protection, climate action, and responsible business conduct
The agreement is open for accession by other ESA countries, with negotiations with Zimbabwe ongoing.