For many of the ACP countries, the EU market is by far the most important market for export receipts and thus negotiating EPAs are of high importance.

In order to facilitate the adoption of EPAs, the ACP countries have divided into six regional groups. We will now examine in greater depth the background, current standing and timetables for each regional EPA as well as evaluate what has been agreed thus far and what issues are still outstanding. There are however, overarching themes that have characterized many of the negotiations. Concerns for the EU have been on market access, government procurement and regional integration. Challenges for the ACP countries have included access to funds to upgrade SPS standards, loss of tariff revenue, regional competition, protection of infant industry and protection of small scale agricultural production. For some, the very basis of their economy is at risk and thus negotiating a proper EPA is of the utmost importance.

There are, of course, major differences between and within the various regions that are negotiating EPAs. The six regions are: SADC (Southern Africa), ESA (Eastern Africa) including the EAC (East African Community) which nevertheless maintains additional parallel negotiations with the EU, Western Africa/ECOWAS (Ivory Coast and Ghana), Central Africa/CEMAC (only Cameroon), CARIFORUM/CARICOM (Caribbean), and the Pacific Forum.