The United Arab Emirates and Gabon have taken a step forward in strengthening their economic partnership with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement paves the way for a sharp expansion in bilateral trade, investment, and private-sector collaboration. The signing was witnessed by UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said that the agreement reflects the UAE’s continued focus on building forward-looking economic partnerships that open new markets for Emirati businesses and investors.
Al Nahyan noted that the deal with Gabon strengthens ties with West Africa and creates fresh opportunities across key sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and clean energy. The partnership is designed to support long-term growth, deepen supply chain links, and deliver tangible benefits for both economies.
The CEPA was signed by UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Gabon’s Minister of Economy, Finance, Debt, and Investment, Thierry Minko. Under the agreement, both countries will work to lower trade barriers, ease investment flows, and encourage closer collaboration between companies, with a strong focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
Economic ties between the UAE and Gabon have already been gaining momentum. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached more than $320 million in 2025, more than doubling compared to 2021. The new agreement is expected to boost this growth while encouraging joint ventures and long-term investment.
The deal also aligns with the UAE’s broader push to expand economic engagement across Africa. In 2024, the UAE’s non-oil trade with African countries climbed to $112 billion, while Emirati investments across the continent have exceeded $110 billion since 2019.
Alongside the CEPA, both leaders also witnessed the announcement of several cooperation agreements, including in defense, the creation of a joint UAE–Gabon Business Council, and a women’s empowerment initiative linking the General Women’s Union with Gabon’s Ministry of Social Affairs.
