EU pledges long-term duty-free access for African exports
Trade between the European Union and Africa reached €357 billion in 2025, a 51% increase since 2016.
The European Union has committed to maintaining indefinite duty-free and quota-free access for exports from Africa’s least-developed countries to its market. This commitment, part of the 25-year-old Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme, ensures continued access for eligible nations to a market of 450 million consumers without import duties.
Olof Gill, European Commission spokesperson for Trade, Economic Security and Customs, stated that all exports from EBA countries enjoy tariff-free, quota-free access to the EU. This trade arrangement is part of a growing commercial relationship that saw EU-Africa trade reach €357 billion in 2025, an increase from €236 billion in 2016.
The EU views its engagement with Africa as a partnership, aiming to support Africa’s industrialisation and job creation while diversifying its own economic partnerships and building resilient supply chains. In 2025, EU exports to Africa were valued at €167 billion, while imports from Africa reached €102 billion.
Why it mattersAfrican countries, including Gambia, will continue to benefit from preferential access to the European market for their exports, supporting economic development.