Tanzania Reviews EU Economic Partnership Agreement

The government of Tanzania is reviewing its stance on the East African Community (EAC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU). The country has been given four months to resolve any outstanding issues by the EAC. 

Under the deal products from EAC countries would have full access to the EU market, whereas 82.6% of imports from the EU would have access to the EAC markets.

While the deal was negotiated in 2014 and has been signed by the EU, of the EAC members only Kenya and Rwanda have signed the deal to date. Kenya is now pushing for member states to be able to enforce the agreement on an individual basis.

Following a meeting between President John Magufuli and acting EU Head of Mission Charles Stuart earlier this month it has been speculated that the government may now be softening its stance following a fall out with the EU. Last year EU envoy Roeland van de Geer was recalled from Tanzania and the EU announced a comprehensive review of its policies towards the country.