EPAs with EU enters into effect – Implications
Business
Five southern African countries – Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland – and the European Union (EU) this week started a new chapter in their bilateral relations with the entry into effect of their Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
As of this week, the agreement will apply to trade between the EU and the five countries. Mozambique is in the process of ratifying the agreement and will join in as soon as the ratification procedure is completed.
Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström said: "When I visited Botswana in June for the signing ceremony, I saw first-hand how important it is to build a stable trade partnership between Europe and Africa. Today we’re taking a crucial step towards making that a reality. The agreement that we’re putting in place will support sustainable economic growth and regional integration in southern Africa and is designed to help lift people out of poverty in the years to come. Africa is the emerging continent and the Economic Partnership Agreements have been designed to maximise this dynamism."
The EPA takes into account the different levels of development of the partners. It gives Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Swaziland duty-free, quota-free access to the European market. South Africa will also benefit from enhanced market access, going beyond its existing bilateral arrangement with the EU.
The southern African markets will open only partially to EU exports, gradually over time, providing their industries with the intermediary goods they need to support growth. It also provides for a number of protective measures in these countries, for instance for nascent, fragile industries or for food security reasons. Furthermore, the agreement increases the flexibility of southern African producers to put together products with components from various other countries, without the risk of losing their free access to the EU market.
BACKGROUND
The SADC EPA Group consists of six out of 15 members of the Southern African Development Community (Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa). Angola has observer status and may join the agreement in the future.
The EU is the largest trading partner of the SADC EPA group. In 2015, the EU imported goods worth almost €32 billion from the region, mostly minerals and metals. The EU exported goods of nearly the same value, consisting mostly of engineering, automotive and chemical products. Total trade between the EU and the SADC EPA Group (including Angola) amounts to €63 billion.
In signing the agreement, participants commit to act towards sustainable development, including upholding social and environmental standards. Civil society will have a special role in monitoring the impact of the agreement. The Agreement is also of a new species in that it is the first trade deal that directly supports the economic integration of a specific region, favouring closer links within the six Southern African nations involved.
The EPA creates joint institutions to support dialogue, smooth handling of all trade issues, and monitoring of the impact of the trade deal. The EU will work with its SADC partners to ensure smooth implementation of the agreement, together with regional and national development cooperation bodies.
RIGHT CONDITIONS FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and African,
Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries are the main pillar of ACP-EU trade cooperation, and aim at creating the right conditions for trade and investment. In this context, the EPA between the EU and the SADC (Southern African Development Community) EPA Group establishes a long-term and stable trade relationship between both Parties, in compliance with international trade rules.
The current population of the SADC EPA countries combined is 89 million people. The two largest countries are South Africa and Mozambique, accounting for respectively 61% and 30% of the region's total population.
The average GDP per capita is roughly 3,700 EUR. In purchasing power parities (PPP), this value is much higher, at about 8,400 EUR.
Behind this average hides significant variation.
Per capita GDP in the region's richest country, Botswana is approximately
15,700 EUR, which is roughly 14 times as high as it is in the region's poorest country, Mozambique. The regional average GDP per capita is about 25% that of the EU. Real GDP grew by an annualised 3% over the last decade, a period in which the corresponding figure for the EU was 1%.
In total, the EU imported about 23.7 billion EUR worth of goods from the region whereas its goods exports were 27.2 billion EUR.
THE RATIONALE AND CONTENT OF THE SADC EPA
The EU's trade relations with the ACP countries were historically framed by a series of conventions, which granted unilateral preferences to the ACP countries on the EU market. By the end of the 1990s, it was found that these conventions did not promote trade competiveness, diversification and growth as intended. They were also found to be in breach of the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) principles, as they established unfair discrimination between developing countries. A change was therefore required. EPAs were the response defined jointly by the ACP countries and the EU in the Cotonou Agreement signed in 2000. EPAs build a new reciprocal partnership for trade and development, asymmetric in favour of ACP countries. In keeping with the objectives set out in the Cotonou Agreement, sustainable development is a key objective of the EPA, which is explicitly based on the "essential and fundamental" elements set out in the Cotonou Agreement (human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance). The joint EPA institutions are tasked with the function of monitoring and assessing the impact of the implementation of EPAs on the sustainable development of the Parties, also carving out a clear role for civil society and members of parliament.
In view of these objectives, the EPA differs from most Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) currently in place or negotiated by the EU with other trading partners: while it remains a reciprocal agreement, it weighs in favour of southern
Africa through specific provisions:
·Asymmetric market access: The EU has committed to opening its market more than the SADC EPA countries have committee to do. The agreement fully takes into account the differences in the level of development between the two regions.
·Safeguards: Under the terms of the agreement, SADC EPA countries continue to be able to protect their sensitive products from European competition either by keeping tariffs in place or, if necessary, by imposing safeguard measures. To support local agricultural production, the EU has also agreed not to subsidise any of its agricultural exports.
·Flexible rules of origin: companies in the SADC EPA region also have more flexibility to use foreign components while still benefitting from free access to the EU market. In the SADC EPA, the rules defining the origin are formulated in a way to support development of new value chains in the region. The so-called
"cumulation of origin" enables canned fruit exporters to source fruit from neighbour countries, or textile producers to use imported fabric. This type of flexible rules of origin will benefit companies in agri-food, fishery and industrial sectors.
·Development: The EU complements the market opening effort of its partners with substantial development assistance. This will contribute to development, sustainable growth and reducing poverty.
ESTIMATED EFFECTS OF TARIFF REDUCTIONS
The economic impact of the EPA was assessed using a dynamic general equilibrium model, tailor-made for trade policy analysis and adjusted to the specific characteristics which apply to the southern African countries. In a conservative manner, only the impact of the tariff reductions was assessed, i.e. what is easily quantifiable from the agreement. Essential provisions of the EPA (rules of origin, trade facilitation, cooperation on norms, and development assistance) were not considered in the model even though they weigh in favour of SADC EPA countries. The results presented in this study are therefore expected to be exceeded over time. Based on the simulation results,
SADC EPA countries' GDP will be positively affected by the agreement, albeit to a small extent: Individual countries see their GDP grow by between 0.01% and
1.18%, whereas the weighted average GDP increase, which is strongly dominated by South Africa, is about 0.03% (Importantly, all results refer to the situation in 2035 compared to a situation without the EPA).
The variation between countries reflects the extent to which the EPA and the baseline differ: in countries such as Namibia, the EPA provides duty-free quota-free access while the country, in the absence of EPA, would not benefit from a preferential treatment (hence the higher impact).
In Botswana, the main export items (e.g. diamonds) would still benefit from low duties without the EPA (hence the lower impact). For a least-developed country like Mozambique, which would still benefit from duty-free quota-free in the absence of EPA, the main benefits to be expected rather come from the flexible rules of origin, regional integration as well as cooperation on norms and standards to boost its exports (all factors which could not be quantified and therefore were not included in the model).Total exports from the SADC EPA Group to the world are positively affected by the EPA as are total imports.
SADC EPA exports are expected to increase on average by 0.13% and imports by 0.14%. In particular, SADC EPA exports to the EU are expected to increase by 0.91%. The agreement has no measureable impact on the EU's overall trade with the world. Exports to the SADC EPA countries are anticipated to increase by 0.73% against a scenario where there would be no EPA. The sectors with the highest expected increases in exports from SADC EPA countries are red meat (15.3%) and sugar (13.7%). Other sectors where an increase in exports is expected are beverage and tobacco, dairy products, fisheries, motor vehicles, "other food", textile, utilities, vegetable oil, vegetables and fruit, and white meat.
While several of the increases are sizeable, decreases are usually below 0.1%, with the exception of wearing apparel (-1.2%), cattle (-0.8%) and electronics (-0.4%). The increase and decrease reflect the comparative treatment of each sector under the EPA by comparison to the baseline: in many sectors, EU customs duties are already low in the baseline scenario (especially when it comes to inputs into the production or primary products), while EU customs duties on finished goods and agricultural goods are much higher in the baseline than in the EPA, hence the higher positive impact in those sectors.
The remuneration of the factors of production is generally positively affected by the EPA even if only to a small extent. Remuneration of labour and land is generally expected to increase, while other factors such as capital and natural resources offer a more mixed picture.
The SADC EPA is expected to modestly reduce the poverty headcount in the two countries observed (South Africa and Namibia). As a result of tariff reduction, SADC EPA countries will collect less import duties, but the decrease is on average not higher than 0.59% of total import duty collection at the end of the liberalisation period. Revenue loss is therefore expected to be limited.
CONCLUSION
The EPA paves the way for a stable and long-term bi-regional trade relationship between southern Africa and the EU. The outcome of the negotiations is a WTO-compatible Agreement that offers asymmetry in market access. The duty-free access to the European market for the Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland (BLMNS) countries will no longer be at the discretion of the EU but will be anchored in a treaty between the Parties. South Africa has also negotiated better access than currently granted under the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) between South Africa and the EU.
OUTLOOK
The EPA, including through its development cooperation pillar, is expected to facilitate intra-regional trade as well as the region's trade with the world. The SADC EPA will also re-establish the common external tariff of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and thereby renew the proper functioning of the oldest existing customs union in the world. The EPA creates a joint Council and a joint Committee in charge of the implementation of the agreement. It will be the task of those institutions to ensure that the EPA is properly implemented, as well as to make proposals for the review of priorities set out in the agreement. For that purpose, constant monitoring of implementation is paramount.
Business
New Khoemacau owners commit to mine’s multibillion Pula expansion
The future of Botswana’s largest copper and silver operation, Khoemacau Copper Mining, looks promising as the new owners, MMG Group, commit to the mine’s expansion plans. MMG, an Australian headquartered company owned by China, has expressed its dedication to doubling Khoemacau’s production and transforming it into one of the most significant high-grade copper operations in Africa.
Nan Wang, the Executive General Manager for Australia and Africa at MMG, stated that while the immediate focus is on maintaining a consistent production level of 60ktpa, there are solid plans to increase Khoemacau’s production capacity. The company aims to double its production from 3.65Mtpa to 8.15Mtpa, resulting in an increase in payable copper from approximately 60ktpa to around 130ktpa.
To achieve this expansion, Khoemacau has completed a pre-feasibility study on the project and a solar power initiative. The next step is to conduct a feasibility study, which will pave the way for increased production capacity. Additionally, Khoemacau has identified extensive exploration opportunities across its license area, positioning the company for an exciting new phase of development.
The current Khoemacau operation reached full production and nameplate capacity in December 2022, following over a decade of investment totaling over P10 billion. This significant investment allowed for an intense exploration program, resulting in the development of the most automated underground mining operation in Botswana. The first concentrate was produced in June 2021, and the product entered the export market in July of the same year. Throughout 2022, the company has been working on the pre-feasibility study for the expansion project, with the feasibility study scheduled for the following year.
The expansion plans will involve the construction of a new world-class process plant in Zone 5, where the current mining of ore takes place. This new plant will be larger than the existing one in Boseto, which currently receives ore from Zone 5. The expansion will also involve the development of new underground mines, including Mango, Zone 5 North, and Zeta North East. These additional mines will bring the total number of underground shafts at Khoemacau to six. The ramp-up of production from the expansion is expected to occur in 2026.
Khoemacau, which acquired assets in the Kalahari Copper Belt after the liquidation of Discovery Metals in 2015, currently employs over 1500 people, with the majority being Batswana. The Khoemacau Mine is located in north-west Botswana, in the emerging Kalahari Copperbelt. It boasts the 10th largest African Copper Mineral Resource by total contained copper metal and is one of the largest copper sedimentary systems in the world outside of the Central African Copperbelt.
The mine utilizes underground long hole stoping as its mining method and conventional sulphide flotation for processing. Resource drilling results have shown the existing resources to have continuity at depth, and there are several exploration targets within the tenement package that have the potential to extend the mine’s life or increase productivity.
The Zone 5 mine has already ramped up production, and further expansion in the next five years will be supported by the deposits in the Zone 5 Group. The estimated mine life is a minimum of 20 years, with the potential to extend beyond 30 years by tapping into other deposits within the tenement package.
In conclusion, the commitment of MMG Group to Khoemacau’s expansion plans signifies a bright future for Botswana’s largest copper and silver operation. With the completion of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, as well as significant investments, Khoemacau is poised to become one of Africa’s most important high-grade copper operations. The expansion project will not only increase production capacity but also create new job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of Botswana.
Business
Khoemacau Copper Mining to be acquired by MMG Limited
Khoemacau Copper Mining, a leading copper mining company, has recently announced its acquisition by MMG Limited, a global resources company based in Australia. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and demonstrates their commitment to continued investment, growth, and sustainability in the mining industry.
MMG Limited is a renowned mining company that operates copper and other base metals projects across four continents. With its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, MMG has a strong track record in mining and exploration. The company currently operates several successful mines, including the Dugald River zinc mine and the Rosebery polymetallic mine in Australia, the Kinsevere copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Las Bambas Mine in Peru. MMG’s extensive experience and expertise in mining operations make it an ideal partner for Khoemacau.
MMG’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Khoemacau’s values and priorities. Khoemacau has always placed a strong emphasis on safety, health, community, and the environment. MMG shares this commitment and applies the principles of good corporate governance as set out in the Corporate Governance Code of the Hong Kong Listing Rules. As a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), MMG adheres to sustainable mining principles, ensuring responsible and ethical practices in all its operations.
Over the past 12 years, Khoemacau’s current shareholders have made significant investments in the development of the company. With approximately US$1 billion deployed in the project, Khoemacau has successfully transformed from an exploration and discovery phase to a fully-fledged operating copper mine. The completion of the ramp-up of the Zone 5/Boseto operations has set the stage for the next phase of expansion.
With the acquisition by MMG, Khoemacau is poised for an exciting new chapter in its development. The completion of a pre-feasibility study on the Khoemacau expansion and a solar power project has paved the way for increased production capacity. The feasibility study will be the next step in doubling the production capacity from 3.65 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 8.15 Mtpa, resulting in a significant increase in payable copper from approximately 60,000 tonnes per annum (ktpa) to 130,000 ktpa. Additionally, Khoemacau has extensive exploration opportunities across its license area, further enhancing its growth potential.
The CEO of Khoemacau, Johan Ferreira, expressed his gratitude to the current owners for their stewardship of the company and their successful transformation of Khoemacau into a fully operational copper mine. He also highlighted the company’s focus on the expansion study and its vision for the future with MMG. Ferreira emphasized that the partnership with MMG will ensure Khoemacau’s long-term success, delivering employment, community benefits, and economic development in Botswana.
MMG Chairman, Jiqing Xu, echoed Ferreira’s sentiments, stating that the acquisition of Khoemacau aligns with MMG’s growth strategy and vision. Xu emphasized MMG’s commitment to creating opportunities for all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and communities. He expressed confidence in Khoemacau’s expansion potential and the company’s ability to realize its full potential with the support of MMG.
The sale of Khoemacau to MMG is subject to certain conditions precedent and approvals, with the expected closing date in the first half of 2024. This acquisition represents a significant step forward for both companies and reinforces their commitment to sustainable mining practices, responsible resource development, and long-term growth in the mining industry.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Khoemacau Copper Mining by MMG Limited signifies a new era of investment, growth, and sustainability in the mining industry. With MMG’s extensive experience and commitment to responsible mining practices, Khoemacau is well-positioned for future success. The partnership between the two companies will not only drive economic development but also ensure the safety and well-being of employees, benefit local communities, and contribute to the overall growth of Botswana’s mining sector.
Business
BPC Signs PPA with Sekaname Energy
The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has taken a significant step towards diversifying its energy mix by signing a power purchase agreement with Sekaname Energy for the production of power from coal bed methane in Mmashoro village. This agreement marks a major milestone for the energy sector in Botswana as the country transitions from a coal-fired power generation system to a new energy mix comprising coal, gas, solar, and wind.
The CEO of BPC, David Kgoboko, explained that the Power Purchase Agreement is for a 6MW coal bed methane proof of concept project to be developed around Mmashoro village. This project aligns with BPC’s strategic initiatives to increase the proportion of low-carbon power generation sources and renewable energy in the energy mix. The use of coal bed methane for power generation is an exciting development as it provides a hybrid solution with non-dispatchable sources of generation like solar PV. Without flexible base-load generation, the deployment of non-dispatchable solar PV generation would be limited.
Kgoboko emphasized that BPC is committed to enabling the development of a gas supply industry in Botswana. Sekaname Energy, along with other players in the coal bed methane exploration business, is a key and strategic partner for BPC. The successful development of a gas supply industry will enable the realization of a secure and sustainable energy mix for the country.
The Minister of Minerals & Energy, Lefoko Moagi, expressed his support for the initiative by the private sector to develop a gas industry in Botswana. The country has abundant coal reserves, and the government fully supports the commercial extraction of coal bed methane gas for power generation. The government guarantees that BPC will purchase the generated electricity at reasonable tariffs, providing cash flow to the developers and enabling them to raise equity and debt funding for gas extraction development.
Moagi highlighted the benefits of developing a gas supply industry, including diversified primary energy sources, economic diversification, import substitution, and employment creation. He commended Sekaname Energy for undertaking a pilot project to prove the commercial viability of extracting coal bed methane for power generation. If successful, this initiative would unlock the potential of a gas production industry in Botswana.
Sekaname Energy CEO, Peter Mmusi, emphasized the multiple uses of natural gas and its potential to uplift Botswana’s economy. In addition to power generation, natural gas can be used for gas-to-liquids, compressed natural gas, and fertilizer production. Mmusi revealed that Sekaname has already invested $57 million in exploration and infrastructure throughout its resource area. The company plans to spend another $10-15 million for the initial 6MW project and aims to invest over $500 million in the future for a 90MW power plant. Sekaname’s goal is to assist BPC in becoming a net exporter of power within the region and to contribute to Botswana’s transition to cleaner energy production.
In conclusion, the power purchase agreement between BPC and Sekaname Energy for the production of power from coal bed methane in Mmashoro village is a significant step towards diversifying Botswana’s energy mix. This project aligns with BPC’s strategic initiatives to increase the proportion of low-carbon power generation sources and renewable energy. The government’s support for the development of a gas supply industry and the commercial extraction of coal bed methane will bring numerous benefits to the country, including economic diversification, import substitution, and employment creation. With the potential to become a net exporter of power and a cleaner energy producer, Botswana is poised to make significant strides in its energy sector.