Economics

Trump Bets on Kenya for Africa Trade Pacts as Negotiations Begin

  • U.S., Kenya kick off negotiations for free-trade agreement
  • Trump administration not looking to renew Africa regional pact

Ship-to-shore cranes load containers onto a ship at Mombasa port in Kenya.

Photographer: Luis Tato/Bloomberg
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The U.S. and Kenya started negotiating a free-trade agreement on Wednesday, paving the way for President Donald Trump’s push for bilateral pacts in Africa.

“We look forward to negotiating and concluding a comprehensive, high-standard agreement with Kenya that can serve as a model for additional agreements across Africa,” U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a joint statement with Kenyan Trade Secretary Betty Maina.