ISDS Case Map
Kenya
The US government and Kenya early this month held a round of trade talks, which raised hopes of a fresh direction after the Biden administration froze Trump-era negotiations on the free trade agreement.
The Swiss President said Kenya is an attractive destination for investments and trade it serves as a gateway to Eastern and Central African region, and Swiss companies will benefit from the huge market provided by the AfCFTA agreement.
Japan is looking to expand its presence on the African continent, with trade and investment taking center stage during the Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum held in Nairobi
Kenya wanted to do a deal with Washington before the expiry of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which allows sub-Saharan African countries to export thousands of products to the US without tariffs until 2025.
The platform has been in its pilot phase for about 18 months in Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Cameroon and Senegal, and will now be integrated in 22 countries.
The EU and Kenya agreed to advance negotiations on an interim Economic Partnership Agreement. The iEPA will be complemented by binding commitments on environmental protection, climate and labour rights.
The previous administration had launched talks with Nairobi on a bilateral free trade agreement, but those plans have been on ice until USTR completes a policy review.
Separate statements issued by both Kenya's Trade Cabinet secretary Betty Maina and her US trade chief Katherine Tai, after a virtual meeting last Tuesday did not provide any timelines for resuming the stalled talks on the deal signalling a persisting deadlock.
The US’ main corn lobby group has urged President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress to prioritise trade deals with the US and Kenya to avoid losing their industry’s advantage over China.
African nations should not be expected to take the lead in addressing a climate emergency they did not create. The priority for Africa is to receive support and investment to build resilience and adapt to climate impacts.
