Several trade lobby groups from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania have written to the government, voicing their opposition to the proposed trade deal. They include the National Association of Nigerian Traders, Econews Africa, West African Institute for Trade and Agricultural Development, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Haki Madini Tanzania and the Centre for Trade Policy and Development. In the proposed objectives guiding the negotiations, Kenya says the new deal will be compatible with the World Trade Organisation framework. The new petition follows criticism levelled against Kenya by her regional peers for going it alone despite active efforts to set up the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Amb Albert Muchanga, AU’s Commissioner for Trade, last year said AfCTA would be the preferred vehicle for a continent-wide trade deal with the US.

Source: Standard Digital July 07, 2020 21:00 UTC