The Trade Policy of the European Union in the Eastern and Southern African Region – The Case of East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Abstract

Non-reciprocal trade agreements provided by the developed countries are important factors in the relations of North-South trade, and this was early recognized by the European continent. Europe has traditionally played a major role in Africa with political, economic and cultural influence, and after the decolonization process, the European presence has remained significant on the African continent. The present paper analyses the impact of trade agreements between the European Union, the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community using international literature review and statistical data. In total, the Lomé Conventions have not achieved their objectives of poverty reduction and development, however they have increased the importance of European markets. The trade stimulative impact of the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement with South Africa was temporary. However, in the framework of the Economic Partnership Agreements both the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community represent an independent region, which can spur the trade between the European Union and the Eastern and Southern African regions.