On 10 June 2026, the European Union and four Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) states — Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles — concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič participated via videoconference in the conclusion ceremony held in Mauritius. The agreement is the first modern, comprehensive free trade deal between the EU and Sub-Saharan African partners, setting a benchmark for future EU-Africa economic relations. It remains open for accession by other ESA countries, with negotiations still ongoing with Zimbabwe.
The enhanced EPA expands the existing interim EPA, which was primarily focused on trade in goods and development cooperation. The ESA states initiated the deepening negotiations in 2019 to create a more comprehensive framework supporting structural economic transformation, local value addition, and addressing non-tariff barriers, regulatory fragmentation, and competitiveness gaps.
Scope of the agreement
The deal covers services and investment, public procurement, intellectual property, digital trade, and sustainability. On services and investment, it improves legal certainty and conditions for companies supplying services and ensures fair and non-discriminatory treatment for investors. In public procurement, businesses gain access to clear and transparent information on tendering opportunities. The intellectual property chapter establishes a modern framework covering all major IP categories and will protect 135 EU Geographical Indications in Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles after a transition period. Digital trade provisions facilitate electronic transactions, prohibit customs duties on electronic transmissions, enhance online consumer protection, and reduce red tape. The Trade and Sustainable Development chapter contains binding commitments on labour rights, environmental and climate protection (with the Paris Climate Agreement as an essential element), gender equality, and responsible business conduct.
The agreement also establishes an agricultural partnership for enhanced dialogue on sustainable agri-food value chains. Implementation will be supported by economic and development cooperation to strengthen trade and investment frameworks in the four countries, driving structural transformation, enhancing economic governance, and supporting regional and continental integration.
Trade and economic context
The EU is the ESA4's largest trading partner, accounting for 24% of 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 states reached €9.7 billion, with €5.2 billion in EU imports and €4.5 billion in EU exports. EU foreign direct investment in the region stood at €20 billion in 2024. The agreement is expected to create jobs, attract business, and help the ESA4 partners diversify into higher-value sectors, particularly in mining, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Next steps
The negotiated draft texts will be published shortly. The European Commission will then propose the agreement to the Council for signature and conclusion. After Council adoption, the EU and ESA states can sign the agreement. It will then require the European Parliament's consent and a Council decision on conclusion for entry into force. The parties may decide to provisionally apply the agreement pending ratification by the ESA states. Commissioner Šefčovič announced plans to launch a joint EU-ESA Business Forum soon to connect business communities and unlock the partnership's full potential.
Stakeholder impacts
EU businesses and investors gain improved market access and legal certainty in services, investment, and public procurement in the four ESA states, as well as protection for 135 Geographical Indications. ESA states benefit from enhanced trade preferences, development cooperation, and support for economic diversification and sustainable development. EU consumers may see increased imports of goods and services from the region. The agreement also strengthens the rules-based international trading order, a key EU objective. However, the transition period for GI protection and the need for ratification mean that full implementation will take time.
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