Economy Middle East, 9 february 2026
By Edward Liamzon
UAE and Gabon sign comprehensive economic partnership agreement
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Brice Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi between the UAE and Gabon.
The agreement marks a significant step forward in bilateral relations and is expected to enhance trade flows, deepen private-sector collaboration and unlock new investment opportunities across key sectors, including agriculture, logistics and renewable energy.
Strengthening trade and investment ties
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the signing of the CEPA, noting that it will strengthen economic ties with Gabon and create new opportunities for UAE exporters and investors.
He highlighted that the UAE’s CEPA program continues to expand the country’s global trade network, opening new markets for the private sector and reinforcing the UAE’s role as a central hub in global commerce.
A milestone in bilateral relations
His Highness described the CEPA with Gabon as a major milestone in foreign trade relations and a transformative moment in the partnership between the two nations. He noted that the agreement will accelerate bilateral trade, integrate exporters into global supply chains and generate high-value investment opportunities that support sustainable growth in both economies.
Both countries, he added, are committed to exploring collaboration across a wide range of industries to drive shared prosperity and long-term economic development.
Agreement signed by trade and economy ministers
The CEPA was signed by H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and H.E. Thierry Minko, Gabon’s Minister of Economy, Finance, Debt and Investment.
The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, facilitate investment flows and promote private-sector cooperation, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. It has been designed to support long-term, sustainable development and deliver mutual economic benefits.
Expanding UAE–Africa economic engagement
The UAE is already a key economic partner for Gabon. In 2025, non-oil trade between the two countries reached $320.7 million, more than double the value recorded in 2021.
The CEPA aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to expand economic engagement across Africa, recognizing the continent’s significant potential for sustainable growth and economic diversification.
In 2024, the UAE’s non-oil trade with African nations reached $112 billion, representing a 34 percent increase year-on-year. Since 2019, the UAE has invested more than $110 billion across Africa, making it the continent’s largest source of new foreign direct investment.
MoUs signed across strategic sectors
In addition to the CEPA, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Nguema witnessed the announcement of several memoranda of understanding. These include agreements on defence cooperation, the establishment of a joint UAE–Gabon Business Council, and collaboration between the UAE’s General Women’s Union and Gabon’s Ministry of Social Affairs on a women’s empowerment program.
Together, these agreements underscore the depth and breadth of the growing partnership between the UAE and Gabon.
