PRESS RELEASE on the Conclusion of Negotiations for the Deepened Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and the Eastern and Southern Africa States (ESA) Mauritius.

Representatives of the European Union (EU) and the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) States, namely the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Madagascar, the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles, met in Mauritius on 10 June 2026 to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Deepened Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Both sides welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations as a significant milestone in the EU-ESA partnership. They underlined that the Agreement is comprehensive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial, and will strengthen trade relations, enhance supply chain resilience and support sustainable development.

As a modern and comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), and the first of its kind between the European Union and Sub-Saharan African partners, it covers not only trade in goods but also services, investment, digital trade and sectoral cooperation, while supporting local processing, industrial transformation and value addition in the ESA States.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking the necessary steps towards the signature and entry into force of the Agreement as soon as possible, in accordance with their respective internal procedures. They also recalled that the Agreement will remain open to accession by other ESA States when they are ready to join.

10 June 2026
Mauritius

Sources : ITD