The Economic Partnership Agreements are a scheme to create a free trade area between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). Although they are a response to rules set by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to enforce reciprocity in trade with the European Union, the African continent largely has been indifferent to them.
Several countries such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) signed the agreement hoping that it would boost their exports to new European markets. Other countries, particularly in the East African Community, have been indifferent over the deal. They argue it does not offer enough protection for local industries against imports from Europe.
According to allafrica.com, researcher Leleng Kebalo argues that African states should consider ratifying agreements that include technological factors that will improve the quality of their exports. "If the agreement includes technological transfers, this can lead to economic transformation. Free trade with Europe or any developed region without these technological transfers is harmful for the evolution of the less competitive African economies.”
"We advise African leaders to improve the competitiveness of their economies through a gradual opening of their markets to European goods, if they receive knowledge in return and can adapt innovations," the researcher from the University of Lomé added.
