UAE, Congo Presidents Seal Major Trade Agreement

UAE President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo have taken their nations’ bilateral relations to new heights through groundbreaking economic initiatives. The UAE’s impressive non-oil trade reached $817 billion in 2024, creating perfect conditions for this strategic collaboration. The newly signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) wants to boost bilateral non-oil trade from $3.1 billion to $7.2 billion by 2032.

Both nations have agreed to remove duties on 99.5% of UAE exports and 98% of Congo exports over five years. Their partnership goes beyond trade agreements and covers economic, investment, and strategic sectors. This alliance marks a crucial step in the UAE’s broader strategy to build stronger partnerships with African nations. The UAE continues to work toward its ambitious goal of reaching $1.1 trillion in total non-oil trade by 2031.

UAE President Sheik Mohamed Signs Historic CEPA with Congo

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President His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo witnessed the signing of a historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The ceremony took place at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Christian Yoka, Minister of Finance, Budget, and Public Portfolio for the Republic of the Congo formally signed the agreement.

Sheik Mohamed highlighted the agreement’s importance in strengthening the strategic bond between both nations during the ceremony. He pointed out that UAE and Republic of the Congo share a vision centered on achieving progress and eco-friendly development. Their focus remains on economic diversification and creating growth opportunities.

The CEPA creates a complete framework that will eliminate or reduce trade barriers through:

• Elimination of duties over five years on 99.5% of tariff lines for UAE exports and 98% of tariff lines for Republic of the Congo exports
• Removal of non-tariff barriers to trade
• Increased market access for service exports
• Establishment of new investment pathways

The economic ties between both nations continue to grow stronger. Non-oil trade has increased 4.2% in 2024 compared to 2023, 44.4% compared to 2022, 52% compared to 2021, and has nearly doubled since 2019. The partnership expects to increase bilateral non-oil trade from $3.1 billion recorded in 2024 to $7.2 billion by 2032.

Three mutually beneficial alliances preceded the CEPA in 2023. These included a double taxation avoidance agreement, an investment promotion and protection agreement, and an air transport agreement.

Sheik Mohamed expressed optimism that this agreement would lead to a new era of cooperation in economic and commercial sectors. This deal aligns with UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with markets worldwide. The goal is to double UAE’s economy by 2031 and achieve $1.1 trillion in total non-oil trade[54].

The Republic of the Congo stands as one of UAE’s key trade partners in Africa. The Emirates represents approximately 72% of the Republic of the Congo’s non-oil trade with Arab countries.

How Will This Partnership Transform Regional Economics?

The UAE and the Republic of the Congo have created a partnership that will change several sectors in the region. Their collaboration goes beyond simple trade deals to create a strategic corridor that connects African resources with global markets.

DP World and construction firm Mota-Engil lead the partnership’s flagship project – developing the Banana Port in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This first fully-equipped maritime gateway for containerized cargo in DRC will streamline trade processes. The port centralizes administrative operations and gives the government better visibility over foreign trade. This big infrastructure project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and lower transport costs for regional businesses.

UAE’s investment strategy in Africa shows through this partnership. UAE ranks as the fourth-largest global investor with $60 billion in total investments. The country has put $4.5 billion into African clean energy projects, including recent green initiatives in the Republic of Congo.

The economic benefits will be huge:

• Trade Growth: Bilateral non-oil trade is projected to increase from $3.1 billion in 2024 to $7.2 billion by 2032
• Diversified Investments: Focus areas include logistics, infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and food security
• Strategic Positioning: The UAE currently accounts for approximately 72% of Congo-Brazzaville’s non-oil trade with Arab countries

This partnership benefits both nations strategically. Congo gets access to Gulf and Asian markets through the UAE, while Emirati businesses gain a gateway to wider African markets. UAE’s strategy to develop mineral corridors across Africa fits well here, especially when targeting critical minerals needed for renewable energy technologies.

Congolese businesses in agriculture and manufacturing will see better trade efficiency, lower costs, and new growth opportunities. The agreement builds on earlier strategic arrangements from 2023, including double taxation avoidance, investment promotion, and air transport agreements.

Both Nations Unveil Joint Investment Initiatives

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The UAE and Republic of Congo have launched major joint investment initiatives in several strategic sectors, going beyond their diplomatic ties. The UAE recently signed a AED 6.98 billion agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state mining company Sakima. This deal will develop at least four industrial mines in the eastern provinces of South Kivu and Maniema. The agreement strengthens an existing 25-year contract that gave UAE firm Primera Group preferential export rights for artisanally mined gold, coltan, tin, tantalum, and tungsten.

UAE-based SkyPower Global has secured a contract in the renewable energy sector to install a 200-megawatt clean energy plant in DR Congo. The project will have a direct and indirect economic effect of AED 2570.36 million. Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader, has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Energy & Hydraulics to develop 500MW of renewable energy capacity.

The investment collaboration focuses on these priority areas:

• Transport infrastructure and logistics
• Mining and natural resources development
• Renewable energy and power generation
• Agricultural expansion and food security

Both nations benefit economically from these partnerships. The investments will create about 30,000 job years in Congo and add an estimated AED 8.45 billion to the country’s GDP. The UAE has become Africa’s largest supporter of new business projects. Emirati companies have announced AED 403.91 billion of projects between 2019-2023, with AED 264.38 billion in renewable energy.

H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, has emphasized Congo’s strategic importance. He pointed to its wealth of natural resources—gold, zinc, diamonds, petroleum, and gas—as key economic drivers. Congo’s leadership recognizes the UAE’s ability to help discover the country’s development potential in these sectors.

These joint initiatives serve as the life-blood of the UAE’s broader investment strategy in Africa. Abu Dhabi has invested approximately AED 33.05 billion in the last decade.

The UAE and the Republic of the Congo have formed a landmark partnership that will advance their bilateral relations. This partnership sets ambitious targets to boost economic growth through 2032. Their detailed trade agreement removes duties on over 98% of exports from both countries and shows their dedication to economic progress.

This strategic collaboration goes beyond regular trade to include key sectors like renewable energy, mining, and infrastructure development. The UAE has invested AED 6.98 billion in Congo’s mining sector. The partnership’s scope is evident through major renewable energy projects that Masdar and SkyPower Global are developing.

The economic benefits for both nations are substantial. The UAE is strengthening its position as a major African investor while working toward its $1.1 trillion non-oil trade target. The Republic of the Congo will benefit from improved infrastructure, new jobs, and better access to global markets through UAE’s strategic location.

This partnership will revolutionize the regional economy through projects like the Banana Port development. Previous agreements in taxation and air transport provide strong foundations. The UAE and Africa can now build lasting economic ties that will benefit future generations.