UAE and Gabon sign CEPA to deliver new era of bilateral ties

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Brice Oligui Nguema, President of Gabonese Republic, have witnessed the signing of CEPA between their two nations that will enhance trade flows and facilitate investment into key sectors.

The CEPA was signed by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Thierry Minko, Gabon’s Minister of Economy, Finance, Debt and Investment.

The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, remove barriers to trade, facilitate investment flows, and promote private sector collaboration, particularly among SMEs. The CEPA has been designed to support long-term, sustainable development and mutual growth, creating lasting benefits for both nations.

Sheikh Mohamed said the agreement will secure economic ties to the West Africa nation and provide new opportunities for the UAE’s exporters and investors.

He noted that it will accelerate trade, connect exporters to global supply chains, and create new avenues for investment capable of delivering high-value projects benefiting both economies. 

The two leaders also witnessed the announcement of a number of memoranda of understanding covering cooperation in the field of defence, the establishment of a joint UAE–Gabon Business Council, and cooperation between the General Women’s Union and Gabon’s Ministry of Social Affairs on a women’s empowerment programme.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed hosted the Gabonese President at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi.

The two leaders explored opportunities to enhance economic cooperation in priority sectors, including renewable energy, food security, and infrastructure.

Both sides underscored their shared keenness to advance UAE–Gabon ties – which span more than five decades – and strengthen collaboration in priority development sectors. They noted that economic cooperation remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.

The UAE is already a key partner for Gabon. In 2025, the two nations shared non-oil trade worth $320.7 million, more than double the trade value recorded in 2021. The CEPA with Gabon is aligned with the UAE’s broader strategy of expanding economic relations across Africa, recognising the continent's immense potential for sustainable economic growth and diversification.

In 2024, the UAE’s non-oil trade with African nations reached $112 billion, marking a 34 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the UAE stands as the largest source of new foreign direct investment in the continent, having invested over $110 billion across Africa since 2019.