The effects of the European Union trade policies on Africa: evidence from Africa’s domestic and the EU markets

Abstract Trade policies and practices are characterized by the economic, political and socio-cultural philosophy of the implementing country. The EU is Africa’s largest agri-food trade partner but Africa’s exports to this market have plummeted which in part has been attributed to the export quality and market access conditions. However, the EU agri-food export base to Africa has been increasing. The extensiveness of these agri-food exports could impact Africa’s agri-food system competitiveness. Simultaneously, the inability of Africa’s commodities exports to intensively access the EU markets due to the technical measures has implications for Africa’s sustainable economic growth. Thus, this study investigates Africa’s commodity and export effects of the EU trade policies. The empirical findings suggest a contrary result to the dominant contextual perspective that the EU trade policy adversely impacts Africa’s commodities competitiveness. This study proposes extensive investments in agri-food system-related quality infrastructure to propel the sustainable transformation of Africa’s food system.