Abu dhabi: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, announced that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the Republic of Gabon marks a significant advancement in economic and trade cooperation, creating new opportunities for joint investments in sectors such as mining, food production, and services.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Zeyoudi emphasized Gabon’s potential as a promising economic partner for the UAE, highlighting its stable growth prospects. Gabon’s GDP was approximately $20.6 billion in 2024, with an expected growth rate of around 3 percent in 2025. The Minister noted that Gabon’s economy is heavily reliant on natural resources, with raw materials comprising over 90 percent of its exports. These exports include oil, petroleum products, manganese, timber, and agricultural commodities such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and rubber.
Al Zeyoudi pointed out that Gabon initiated a $5.5 billion accelerated transformation plan in 2021 to diversify its economy and stimulate non-oil sectors. This plan focuses on targeted investments in mining, forestry, and agriculture, alongside infrastructure development, digitalization, education, skills development, and business environment improvements, all of which have increased Gabon’s attractiveness to foreign direct investment.
The Minister further explained that the CEPA will enhance bilateral trade and reinforce the UAE’s presence in West Africa, a region with significant potential for sustainable growth and diversification. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Gabon reached approximately $320.7 million in 2025, demonstrating substantial growth from 2024 levels and more than doubling since 2021. Gabon’s primary non-oil exports to the UAE include manganese, rubber, and timber.
Al Zeyoudi stated that the agreement aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, expand market access for services exports, establish a framework for digital trade, and implement a clear dispute settlement mechanism. These measures are expected to improve the business environment and encourage mutual investment.
He added that the CEPA will bolster the UAE’s role as a global supply-chain hub and a vital link between the Arab world, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It will also support collaboration between the private sectors of both countries in service industries such as logistics, construction, engineering, healthcare, education, environmental services, financial services, and telecommunications.
Regarding the agreement’s implementation, Al Zeyoudi mentioned that both countries will commence ratification procedures following the signing, with the CEPA taking effect upon completion. He noted that benefits are anticipated to arise from simplified customs procedures, lower tariffs, and improved market access for goods and services, thereby fostering economic growth and strengthening the strategic partnership between the UAE and Gabon.
