Context:
Kenya primarily exports unprocessed products, most of which are agricultural in nature. However, the textile industry has the potential to export more products to the European Union (EU). The same is true of the leather industry, as the raw materials, mainly hides, are available locally. Both of these sectors have an important role to play in the country’s industrialisation and in creating income sources for the population. Since 2024, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has provided a stable framework for Kenya’s trade with the EU. The EPA also offers opportunities specifically to expand environmentally friendly trade. To do so, however, Kenya must comply with requirements regarding quality and standards, as well as social and environmental sustainability. Companies are currently limited in the extent to which they have the structures and expertise needed to meet these requirements.
Objective:
Kenyan companies are better able to expand their trade relations with partners in the EU, while complying with social and environmental requirements.
Approach:
The project is working with Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to enable the public sector to address green trade issues more effectively. It is therefore providing training and advice on coordinated implementation of the EPA’s sustainability commitments. For example, the EPA contains regulatory or legislative commitments which have to be implemented, including provisions on biodiversity and gender.The project also advises companies in the textile and leather industry on aligning their production with EU sustainability requirements and expanding their business links with the EU.