Germany has granted Kenya $110 million to fund various development projects in the next two years. The agreement was signed in Nairobi on Friday, 7 December 2018, by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary to the Treasury, Henry Rotich, and Germany’s government director for East Africa, Niels Breyer.

A proposal to lower tariffs in the territory of Western Sahara to the same level as Morocco, was backed by the International Trade Committee on Monday. The proposal was adopted by 25 votes to 9 with 2 abstentions after the European Commission and Morocco agreed on a traceability mechanism, upon the request of the Trade Committee.

Trade MEPs backed an agreement on an EU-level tool to screen foreign direct investment (FDI) on grounds of security, to protect strategic sectors. While the EU remains open for investment, inward FDI needs to be vetted due to the changing nature of investment.

The Council extended the mandate of the EU capacity building mission in Somalia, EUCAP Somalia until 31 December 2020. The Council also agreed on a budget of €66.1 million for the period 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2020.

South Africa’s stonefruit season is now well underway for most fruit categories, with good market conditions expected in Europe over the coming weeks. Apricots and peaches are both now in their peak volume weeks, with nectarine exports also building, according to Hortgro general manager for trade and markets, Jacques du Preez.