Guidance

Why export to the UK

The UK is a potential market for many goods and services from Africa.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Business and Trade
Published
20 May 2022

The UK and some African countries have trade partnership agreements, providing preferential trading terms. The UK government also funds various schemes to encourage businesses from Africa to export to the UK.

Trade agreements between the UK and Africa

If you trade between the UK and Africa you should stay up to date with trade agreements.

Trade agreements between 2 countries or groups of countries enable importers and exporters to trade under preferential terms, which reduces costs. For example, 2 countries may agree to charge each other low or zero tariffs on specific types of goods, or to recognise each other’s product standards.

The UK currently has trade agreements, called Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), with these countries in sub-Saharan Africa:

Developing Countries Trading Scheme

The UK government has proposed new trading rules for developing nations under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).

The DCTS aims to grow free and fair trade with up to 70 qualifying developing nations, supporting jobs and growth.

Economic development

As well as supporting trade between the UK and Africa, the UK is looking for exports in sectors where economic development can have the greatest development effect in Africa. These include:

  • agriculture, including:

    • raw materials for food, feedstocks and cosmetics
    • finished food products
    • specialist foods
  • textiles as finished goods or material to be manufactured into garments
  • luxury finished goods such as jewellery, cosmetics and toiletries

Support for exporters

The UK government funds support programmes in developing countries to encourage economic activity in areas that:

  • reduce poverty across society by providing economic development
  • have a positive environmental impact, such as reducing emissions or water usage
  • provide work and opportunities for women and women-owned businesses
  • increase skills and education
  • reduce inequality and promote social justice
  • improve health outcomes for ordinary people

The UK government will prioritise supporting organisations from developing countries that want to export to the UK if their business plans meet some or all of these conditions.

This guidance is provided as part of the UK government’s Growth Gateway service.

Published 20 May 2022
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