Cargo To Africa

Tag: Brexit

  • Appropriate Ways to Send Cargo to Africa and Their Effects On Shipment

    Appropriate Ways to Send Cargo to Africa and Their Effects On Shipment

    Trading between UK and Africa is quite important after Brexit

    Cargo dates back to history, indicating that it was intended for cargo ships, but as time went on and cargo volume increased, shipment now contained all kinds of cargo. It includes land cargo, rail cargo or sea cargo, air cargo or other types of trucks, van, or intermodal container.

    Besides, perishable items are also included in the consignment. Freight is the flow of goods from the previously mentioned routes. It should be clarified here that containers are reusable to reduce load units or cargo, especially by shipping lines and cargo operators.

    Similarly, aircraft ULD boxes are another form of cargo in air cargo. Empty containers during shipment are called a load, while containers filled with cargo are called containerized cargo.

    Air Cargo Sector

    Air flight treats all passengers with extra luggage, which is an efficient and fast mode. As a result, countless companies are engaged in their cargo business with built-in dynamics and modus operandi. Air Cargo to Africa offers the best option for shipping your cargo. Many services such as door to door service, extra luggage, packaging, customs clearance are provided.

    It is important to note here that limited lifetime items, including medicines, are shipped by air cargo, while other things that do not have such restrictions are booked by sea cargo and shipped to destinations far off the coast of Africa.

    The main business in operation is automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Both governments have taken a firm stance on exploring new frontiers. The UK attaches great importance to expanding trade towards this potential continent, a vital part of the UK economy through imports and exports.

    Therefore active trade relations and logistics on international and domestic trade are of significant importance to both countries. Now as a result of Brexit, the UK is free to trade at its convenience and benefits.

    New policies and legal frameworks are being finalized for the practical business operations of logistics. Accordingly, customs and other departments are being created for the new laws so that the cargo industry can get maximum revenue and increase facilities for the concerned partners.

    Sea cargo for bulk

    In general, by this mode, all goods shipped by air cargo are hefty and unmanageable. To do this, the cargo is first packed in boxes and loaded into a container to be transported to African ports. After completing the formal process from here, the freight will be shipped to the desired destinations booked.

    Both the UK and Africa have good friendly relations between the government and the public level. On the one hand, there were some takeovers in the past, but now there is no such problem and business is relaxed.

    However, the cargo flows through all the countries of the African continent, including western Ethiopia to Mauritania. South Africa is a major trading centre on the African continent.

    Despite these difficulties and limitations, cargo to Africa from UK is growing with price and quantum as demand for much-needed equipment in industrial and manufacturing activities.

    Less infrastructure for freight in Africa

    As in some countries such as Africa, Ethiopia is a vast continent with communities suffering from poverty and lacks freight infrastructure. The condition of access roads and commercial centres in remote areas is a bitter truth in this context, which needs to be improved.

    While the distribution of goods is currently limited to certain areas, this situation can be attributed to the fact that it is difficult to touch other weak points.

    Better infrastructure can reduce cargo rates, which will lead to economic growth in the region. It is not an argument that most African countries lag far behind in improving infrastructure and related components.

  • Cargo to Africa; Reforming Itself through the New Initiatives

    Cargo to Africa; Reforming Itself through the New Initiatives

    Venturing New Horizons to Approach the Distant Corners 

    The increasingly tense situation between two rival countries of China and the US has given rise to ample space for perishable cargo. The African air cargo market has benefitted from it which is the main market of perishable exports.

    It is interesting to know that the African Continent is rapidly transforming itself with the digital transformation by having a substantial increase in infrastructure and liberalism. Resultantly, this has strengthened the Air Cargo to Africa greatly.

    This is also best suited for the Economy of the African countries which are addressing themselves by shedding the old infrastructure and way of working as well.

    How Much Cargo to Africa Contributes? 

    Statistically seen, Africa contributes 1.7% to air cargo. Nonetheless, there is a tremendous growth of African carriers. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) takes it as the fastest growth for the last two years. Furthermore, the capacity is grown up to 17.1% due to healthy trade and investment connections.

    Further to explore it, the President of ICAO Council Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, has warned that Africa could have sustainable development only by having strong air connectivity in Africa. And it is quite obvious, he went on to emphasize that this is only possible by putting in proper and maximum investment.

    How China is Boosting the Cargo to Africa

    China as the strongest emerging economy of the world has benefitted this gap created in the investment and already spent a sufficient amount in the cargo sector. A big plus is the further investment from China in the cargo sector of Africa, is amounting to $60 billion. And by this investment, African countries are strengthening their infrastructure and aircraft.

    This has done a great help to the cargo industry of Africa which can be seen from the efforts rendered by the main African countries of South Africa, Mauritius, Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia in improving the cargo facilities and concerned services. The African air cargo is benefitting a lot from it.

    The meagre share of Africa in the see cargo creates a great space for further development in the Cargo to Africa sector. Having the seaports in abundance, Africa is relying greatly on its seaports. It is of great value that one-third of the African countries are landlocked and maritime is the only access to the world market.

    What is being communicated? 

    The African countries like South Africa export diamond and gold to the industrialised countries. It is of the great value that the precious metals are carried in handbags in high security. The meagre share of Africa in world trade is widely debated and the economists argue in this regard that, this lowest share of Africa is due to insufficient income, poor geography, local barriers to international trade and increased transport cost and poor infrastructure.

    The experts hold the strong view that the shipment delivery period matters a lot, the reason being, the increased shipping duration would increase the inventory process cost. For instance, sensitive goods like ornamental plants and flowers and readable material like newspapers would certainly need prompt delivery. And also, the stock in transportation should be by the needed amount.

    Ground Realities and Future Expectations      

    The cargo industry works in associations with different stakeholders or may be termed as commercial organizations which are the main source of freight services. Sure enough, these stakeholders offer a basic and conducive infrastructure for the execution of cargo services for every operation of Cargo Company and without it, the cargo industry means nothing.

    For instance first and foremost organisation with plays a major role in this context is the airports across the world which no doubt, offer the basic and spacious platform for the execution of cargo carriage and deliveries.

    According to the economists, at present Africa is having 3 per cent of the UK goods but history has witnessed many ups and downs in it. It is also to mention here that machinery, precious stones, fruits, vegetables, beverages, base metals and precious stones are imported by the UK from Africa whereas the turbojets, chemicals, and machinery are imported by Africa from the UK.

    On the other hand, Brexit Transit period and its impact on the Cargo to Africa is also of the great importance in the upcoming period. As the period going on in the UK about cargo industry is termed as Brexit Transit Period as the UK has decided to leave the EU in March.

    A great deal of cargo is being operated between the UK and Africa by various modes like sea cargo, air cargo, or intermodal cargo depending upon the availability, choice and budget. It would be crucial to note that air cargo is costlier than sea cargo.

    It is no arguing in highlighting that cultural links, bilateral relations, law systems, finance, and trade are playing the main role in strengthening the healthy relations between the African and the UK. It would be important to mention here that a diaspora of 1.9 million in Africa is playing a vital role in the UK economy.

  • Brexit is not Going to Affect the Trade Relation between the UK and Africa

    Brexit is not Going to Affect the Trade Relation between the UK and Africa

    Reinforcing exchange relations with the world is the most ideal approach to repay the EU exit

    As it is a most discussing issue nowadays connected to the UK relations with the remainder of the world, Brexit is taking to spotlight so many things that are possibly either in support of the country. There are a lot of things going on simultaneously to set up the country for EU exit.

    On one hand, UK is managing with the concern of migrants and on the other side, broad gatherings and game plans are proceeding to move the country towards a sure Brexit with the goal that the individuals can stay safe from the impacts of Britain leaving EU.

    The UK needs to construct a well-disposed, autonomous and direct exchange attach universally to not segregate itself in any circumstance which is yet to come. What’s more, as Africa is a conspicuous landmass in UK exchange, building up a progressively solid connection will be one stage ahead for the approach.

    Help Build Strong Regional Trade

    Probably the most ideal approaches to build trade by sea or air cargo is to build up a solid tie inside the mainland. A steady contention for this activity is that by improving provincial exchange the introduction to different countries and the open doors for further business will increment.

    Thusly, UK organizations can connect with huge unrecognized Africa and give it chances to exceed expectations inside the area as well as universally as a created and business arranged exchanging accessory.

    Presenting new ventures will be in long haul valued for the exchange and the locales. As of now, the UK is contributing to creating African countries; this progression can additionally take tasks higher than ever.

    Characterizing Standards

    There are some exceptionally exacting laws the countries need to submit to when they are an individual from the EU. Being an autonomous state will offer the chance to dismiss those principles, the EU has set and made new ones.

    Yet, this can or can’t be a savvy step as making new laws requires time and exertion which can turn into an end in the exchange. The UK can restore rules with African countries so the effectively present understandings are not disregarded and can be formed with certain progressions for use.

    Working with African states in characterizing nourishment and clean benchmarks will demonstrate useful for shared exchange just as Africa itself for increasing its expectations.

    Amendments in agreements 

    Another very feasible arrangement is to include whatever both the sides concur upon in the current understandings. This will demonstrate to be an extremely powerful approach for continuous exchange.

    Offering straightforwardness to African countries in this regard won’t just expand the exchange yet additionally it will offer them the chance to turn out to be less solid universally for the guides to satisfy the requests of their kin for having a sensible existence.

    With the shared endorsement, both sides can profit by the exchange understandings effectively present. Making new ones is likewise not an awful thing but rather it can sit tight for some time until the UK can settle down with the new change and figure out how to deal with things autonomously.

    Steadily, when the certainty level creates among the two gatherings, new understandings can be made and settled upon without any feelings of trepidation.

  • An Appropriate Way to Send Valuables to Africa

    An Appropriate Way to Send Valuables to Africa

    Easy tips to pursue an amateur to keep away from dubious conditions

    Sending cargo to Africa from the UK is certainly not a worrying or hard job, as the method is typically straight forward. Aside from some custom clearance issues, the entire area is considered as having the premium condition for trading.

    Many express that there will be a bit hard times for relations between both countries after Brexit however till now there are no proper confirmations of the case. The things that would matter soon are the exchange strategies of the two areas.

    As before Brexit UK was following the European Union rules, yet what will happen now is of significant concern. Another perspective comes from Africa, that how they will adjust their relations. As the EU has a significant turn in bringing the voice of Africa area known and handle their issues.

    In any case for the time being the trading is start and for the newcomers, some helpful hints can assist comprehend the method and maintain a strategic distance from the unsure circumstances that checks your understanding at each stage and your constancy guarantees an ideal outcome.

    Avoid Extra Charges:

    It is not hard to stay away from additional charges which can raise the pace of your freight transportation. The service of

    shipping can be costly when the loading time increases. To avoid any kind of delay in cargo loading it is suggested to gather all goods which you want to ship in one place.

    Sea Cargo
    Sea Cargo

    This will on one side take less time which surely cut your expenses. As far as possible it relies upon the cargo company for loading, but for the safe side, you should do and try maximum to save the cost and time as well.

    Organic Cargo Stuff:

    You should tell the cargo company if any organic cargo material is included into the shipment. The purpose is that every fresh or delicate shipping material has it is very own taking care of, and to maintain a strategic distance from any harm to your things, so you should mention such thing in the packing list. In fact, you should let the truck driver know about it as well so he should be careful for your delicate and organic stuff.

    Pack your Stuff Properly:

    Appropriate packing of cargo products is a vital step while shipping your precious things across the sea, it will assure you the safety of your parcel. On the off chance if you don’t know how to pack your stuff in an appropriate manner there isn’t any need to be worried as you are not a professional nor you send cargo to Africa on regular basis.

    For your ease, almost all good cargo companies provide you the premium offer of packing your cargo stuff in proper way. But if you think you can handle it and pack your precious stuff properly you should try it. Keep it in mind that it could cost you more if you use heavy and any metallic box to cover and pack your parcel to make it safe and secure.

    Delay in Cargo Deliveries:

    There are circumstances where man is helpless to assume responsibility for, the first is climate and the second is some unexpected technical issues in the ship. The cargo organization cannot control bad sea condition and delay is the outcome.

    If there rise any big technical issue for which help is required from the base camp then this will require some serious time and can delay the delivery. Another condition is the custom clearance, which can take out of time and winds up in the holdup of the cargo.

    Reason behind letting you know about such situations is to prepare you mentally for the bad time. But it totally depends on “IF” things gone wrong.

    Documentation:

    Knowing the rules will help you in setting up the documentations essential for cargo transportation. In the event, if you are using door to door cargo service the major issue is on the cargo service provider to set up the reports. In any case, at some point, one needs to dive in to keep the procedure moving by giving legitimate documentation.

  • The United Kingdom is trying to enhance the Trading relation with Africa

    The United Kingdom is trying to enhance the Trading relation with Africa

    Reinforcing exchange relations with the world is the most ideal approach to repay the EU exit

    As it is a hotly debated issue nowadays identified with UK relations with the remainder of the world, Brexit is taking to spotlight numerous things that are either possibly in support of the nation.

    The UK needs to construct a cordial, autonomous and direct exchange attach universally to not disconnect itself in any circumstance which is yet to come. What’s more, as Cargo to Africa is a visible mainland in UK exchange, building up an increasingly solid connection will be a one-stage ahead for the approach.

    There are a ton of things going on simultaneously to set up the nation for EU exit. On one hand, UK is managing vagrant’s concern and on the opposite side, there are broad gatherings and courses of action proceeding to move the nation towards a sure Brexit so the individuals can stay safe from the impacts of Britain leaving EU.

    Help Build Strong Regional Trade

    Probably the most ideal approaches to expand exchange is to build up a solid tie inside the landmass. A steady contention for this activity is that by improving territorial exchange the introduction to different nations and the open doors for further business will increment.

    Thusly, UK organizations can contact tremendous unrecognized Africa and give it chances to exceed expectations inside the area as well as globally as a created and business situated exchanging accomplice.

    Presenting crisp enterprises will be in long haul advantageous for the exchange and furthermore for the districts. As of now, the UK is contributing to creating African nations through trading by air and sea cargo to Africa and this progression can further take the undertakings higher than ever.

    Characterizing Standards

    There are some severe laws the nations need to comply with when they are an individual from the EU. Being an autonomous state will offer the chance to dismiss those guidelines, the EU has set and made new ones.

    In any case, this can or can’t be an astute advance as setting aside a few minutes and exertion which can turn into a stop in the exchange. The UK can restore benchmarks with African nations so the officially present understandings are not damaged and can be formed with certain progressions for use.

    Working with African states in characterizing sustenance and clean guidelines will demonstrate gainful for common exchange just as Africa itself for raising its norms.

    Increases in Existing Agreements

    Another extremely compelling arrangement is to include whatever both the sides concur upon in the current understandings. This will demonstrate to be an exceptionally compelling methodology for continuous exchange.

    Offering simplicity to African nations in this regard won’t just build the exchange yet additionally it will offer them the chance to turn out to be less solid universally for the guides to satisfy the requests of their kin for having a sensible existence.

    With the common endorsement, both the sides can profit by the exchange understandings officially present. Making new ones is additionally not an awful thing but rather it can hang tight for some time until the UK can settle down with the new change and figure out how to deal with things autonomously.

    Progressively, when the certainty level creates among the two gatherings, new understandings can be made and settled upon without any feelings of dread.

  • East African Exports to European Union grew by U.S. $200 Million

    It is an encouraging news for the East African trade enthusiasts

    There is no denying to the fact that economy depends on trade a lot and healthy trade and cargo activities in any region are bound to boost the economy of that region. The poverty-ridden East African region received a good news in this regard.

    According to ITC, the East African region exported goods worth more than $2.5 billion in 2017, which stood last year at $2.3 billion. Even though it is still not a very big amount but things are significantly improving and the stagnancy in the region’s economy no longer seems to exist.

    East African Countries need to set their priorities

    East Africa is a big region and a home to 21 countries. Some of the notable countries of this region are Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Madagascar and Uganda. These countries contribute a lot to the overall economy of Africa.

    Amid the efforts to harmonise standards in the region, this rise in exports is no less than an achievement. Nevertheless, according to International Trade Centre, the numbers could have been even better, had the East African countries sorted out the issue of harmonising standards quickly.

    Brexit; a Midas touch for Africa

    After the pole for Brexit, European Union is finding ways to boost trade and logistics in order to curtail the effects of the absence of Britain. Therefore, it is a golden chance for Africa to capitalize on this opportunity and get into more trade agreements and MOUs with EU and UK.

    The director Productive Sectors of the East African Community (EAC), Mr Jean Baptiste said: “To tap into the EU market, the region needs to benchmark standards with those in the European Union and East African products should meet the requirements of the European consumers.”

    Cargo for the trade is like milk for the tea

    Cargo or freight movement contribute a great deal to the trade activities. Cargo to Africa from Europe has seen major improvements in recent years. However, it can be made go further by improving air and sea cargo facilities.

    The Airlines functioning in East Africa have not produced an up to the mark performance due to some ground realities which are needed to be eradicated. Private airline service rather than national flag carriers can help a lot in connecting east Africa to the rest of the world.

    The permanent connectivity offered by the aviation is imperative for the economy to flourish. Aviation creates jobs and improves trades and upgrade the living standards of the general population. The revenue generated by the airlines also adds to the growth of an economy.

    In the similar fashion, seaports play a very important role in the sea cargo of a country. African seaports are a mess and they handle cargo is not a very professional way.

    However, there are some exceptions too such as the Port of Mombasa, which registered a new record in container operations by discharging 3872 TEUS in a matter of only eight hours. Other African port authorities should learn from this and implement similar planning at their ports.

  • UK giving a Helping Hand to Nigeria

    In a recent meeting UK giving full support to fight corruption and insurgency

    Who can deny the role of UK in the African region? Especially in the fields of development and fighting food and economic problems, UK has been a major support to make the situation better in the land as well as in the offices. This means that the UK is also making efforts with the collaboration of African authorities to minimize the effects of corruption that stops the developmental process.

    Many think that only South Africa plays a key role in UK Africa Cargo trade, in fact, Nigeria is equally important. The downfall of this country is due to corruption that interrupts in its growth.

    Nigeria is seen as a fruitful trading partner and the recent visit of Boris Johnson, the foreign sectary for Britain and with him, Ms. Priti Patel stressed on the full support of UK for Nigeria to fight its internal problems so that it can start targeting the uphill climb towards success.

    Summary of the objective of Meeting

    The two officials were visiting Nigeria so as to make the bond more firm and assure Britain’s support for Nigeria in its humanitarian, developmental and military areas. Both the personals stressed on making the country more liable for trade and a better place to live for people.

    It is estimated that almost every young citizen of the country has to face poverty and no job opportunities are present. For going abroad is not affordable for everyone and due to this many of them are stuck there. But leaving the place is not an answer, instead, help should be given to such a land so that it can provide every necessity the people need in its territory.

    And the UK is providing help in every sector so as to raise the living standards of the people.

    Nigeria’s response

    The response of Vice President and the ministers was very positive towards what the UK is doing for them. The minister of Foreign Affairs said that they appreciate what is being done for them. And they look forward to increasing the relationship in Sea Cargo to Africa economic grounds.

    It is very obvious now that if the economy of a country could rise, other areas will get better with the combined effort. The UK is also keen to facilitate the security challenges and terrorist threat which Africa is facing right now. Also, the team for the meeting from Nigeria responded very positively to know that there are investors and businessmen who want to do business in Nigeria.

    Another step Towards Strong Ties

    UK government has a very firm vision for the strong relations with African countries especially when they are approaching Brexit. This meeting could be seen as the chain of meetings going on for elimination any doubt between the two regions for trade flow.

    Also, Africa is facing many uncertainties and some very urgent decisions are to be made for the agreements of trade between Britain and Africa. The problems are not only with Africa but there are some very serious problems and decisions UK government has to handle so that their personality and at the same time global ties do not get affected by a hard or an easy Brexit.

  • Things to Consider for Business in South Africa

    Prepare yourself before hand for choosing Africa as a Business destination

    South Africa is considered as a very fruitful business destination. Especially when we are talking about UK trade with the region, South Africa becomes prominent. As it is the major trading partner with UK in Africa. This does not mean that UK is not in trade with other areas as there are new markets emerging in sub-Saharan region and Kenya, Nigeria already in trade relation with UK.

    But as South Africa gets the largest share of trade, it has become prominent in Cargo to Africa. This region is very rich in agriculture and also the environment for doing business is favorable which attracts the investors.

    How the Task is done?

    Visiting a new country, unknown people, economic system and infrastructure, all become a big hurdle. To overcome all these difficulties, UK government appoints parliamentarians from among the political parties to lead business delegations to other countries where Britain wants to boost trade and business for bilateral relations. With this facility, present making place in the new environment becomes easy. Same is done in case of Africa but keeping in mind the trade area and its need.

    As people are now aware of their purchasing power and decision making has become strong for trusting or liking a product. So, hitting the right market is very important to be successful to improve air and sea cargo growth.

    Current Exports of UK to South Africa:

    At present, the major exports of UK to South Africa are fuel, machinery, vehicle, medical, pharmaceuticals, and food. There is plenty of scope for UK businesses in areas like energy, transport, health care and education sectors. Africa is not a fully developed region, and hence requires help from outside its premises for keeping things going and at the same time, help is needed to make the situation better in every sector. Trade is the best way to do this as you get something of your interest in return.

    For example, it is being said that after Brexit, there are chances of increased imports of fruits and vegetables from Africa which is the demand of UK at present as their own production has fallen to a large extent, and thus they are relying on imports for fulfilling the need of their people.

    What the newcomer has to face:

    As any other region, there are obstacles that can stop or slow down your efforts of establishing a business in the land. There is a high rate of unemployment in the country and people are not assured of getting a job and maintaining it for longer. Then the poverty factor also becomes a challenge for the businessman as the power of purchase may not be as it was expected. Another very important factor is the skill and capacity shortage, which is there due to less opportunity.

    Lack of infrastructure is also a big problem that makes it difficult to adjust in this region. There are no solid and proper working departments for resolving energy, water and transport areas. High crime rate becomes another problem the businessmen have to face while doing business and keeping a close check on such activities is necessary. Then there is legislation, the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment; which the investor has to tackle while setting a company.

  • How Britain is tackling African Migrants and exports to the region?

    Permanent steps are indispensable in the present condition to ensure stability

    Africa is not a place where the population is well fed and has plenty of opportunities to earn their lively hood like Cargo to Africa is a big opportunity to grow the business. Instead, it is a land where poverty rules and children and older sector dies of lack of nutrition. In such a case, people who educate with lots of hard work and facing a bundle of problems do not want to remain in the continent or in their respective country and migrate to other areas which have more opportunities.

    In this situation, the welcoming country and in this case Britain is facing problems and they are now starting to think over the situation to improve this crisis which is making their own citizens suffer.

    Main Reasons for Migration:

    No one wants to leave the place where he/she is born and live alone while facing trouble and devoid of a decent living place. But not only Africa, other poor countries lacking jobs and decent workstations put their occupiers in such a situation. On one side the job seeking personals are growing and on the other hand, prospects are becoming less and less. In such circumstances, people either go to another country in the continent or travel towards another continent. Lack of industry joblessness is making the people flee from the land because no one can see their family die due to lack of necessities of life which is their right.

    Ray of Hope:

    At present, the only hope for the people is the increasing trade international market. But the problem over here is that exchange of goods is not profitable till now as the money earn is again spent to trade for the essential items that are needed for leading a decent life.

    So the trade is a positive thing for small Logistic businesses but the overall situation remains the same on the national level and when this condition will improve only then change in the living standard of the citizens occur.

    Lack of Infrastructure and Common Welfare:

    These two things are the main hurdles which are responsible for poor economic conditions of a country. These problems result in lack of communication and hence no one wants to work for the welfare of a common man, instead, everyone struggles for filling their own pockets. An Intelligent decision by the government of African countries would be to look for flaws within and rectify them to decrease pressure on themselves and on the helping country.

    Direction Britain is following

    The UK government is not forcing the immigrants out of its boundaries but it certainly is considering to tight the border conditions for permitting migrants in the country. The country is already in a state of uncertainty due to Brexit due in 2019 and is simultaneously dealing with many affairs and this crucial matter is making things difficult to be handled. Also, UK is urging the African authorities to reach the root cause and eliminate the reason for fleeing of its population.

    Industries should be put up to increase job opportunities so that the fresh graduates have a livelihood whenever they finish their university. This permanent solution is the only way which can reduce immigration as handling such a big number of immigrants from every country is not affordable.

  • New Developments in UK Africa Trade

    In what direction the two trading partners are heading?

    Africa UK trade has a long history to trace back. Both are at present members of EU and are one of the leading traders, not only to each other but also with other countries as well. With Brexit underway, the situation has changed and there are some uncertainties as well as confirmations from both the side. But what will happen in actual situation is a question that will be answered only when the Brexit will happen in 2019. There are some changes as well as on the way agreements that are to be finalized but not without considering many more matters that are coming in the way.

    Both the sides are trying hard to have agreements that do not hinder in the way of trade with other parties as it will not be in favor of UK as well as Africa especially South Africa as being a major trading partner. Africa does not want to disturb its relations with EU as well as UK and it is creating a difficult situation for Africa.

    EPA and ongoing Discussions:

    EPA is not an ordinary agreement for Africa. It took almost ten years to negotiate the treaty and six Southern African countries are a part of this. Due to this agreement, the access to EU for South Africa in agricultural products has improved in return of recognition of geographical indications on European food stuff etc.

    What South Africa want is that whatever agreement between UK cargo and Cargo to Africa is going to be, it follows the line of hard-earned EPA. As it is Brexit UK and not Africa is exiting European Union, the situation is complicated and Africa has to maintain a balance between the two as it does not want to leave any of them. British High Commissioner to South Africa Nigel Casey has confirmed that they are not going to allow any gap in the agreement and make it fall away for Africa.

    Time Conscious:

    UK officials are also concerned about time frame before Brexit. The agreements that are going to take place not only concern South Africa but also other southern African countries that are involved in the EPA.

    So, if the talks are going to commence, they have to spread to all the countries and not only to one and the officials intend to do it necessarily. But until unless Britain is a part of EU, these agreements cannot be made effective or reach a final point.

    What more to add:

    Casey said that EPA only dealt with trade of products, but if the talks are going to be only between the two then chances of including services are also there. These services form a large part of UK and African economies and will prove to be beneficent for both.

    But there are constraints that hinder the easy flow of from one end to another and discussions are taking place on the two options present to ease them. One is whether to make government-to-government agreement or the ones that are sector specific. Every effort is being done to achieve arrangements to avoid any gap in the smooth flow of trade during the transfer.