UAE and Gabon Boost Economic Ties, Non-Oil Trade Surges to $320 Million

The United Arab Emirates is expanding its economic footprint in Africa, with a recent official visit to Libreville by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, aimed at deepening trade and investment ties with Gabon. During his meeting with Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, discussions focused on translating the momentum of their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) into tangible business opportunities.

President Nguema conveyed Gabon's keenness to strengthen relations, particularly in trade and investment, across fields of common interest. Al Zeyoudi highlighted Gabon's role as a growing trade and investment partner for the UAE in Africa, emphasising the CEPA's framework to accelerate trade and unlock investment opportunities in priority sectors.

Growing Bilateral Trade

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Gabon saw a significant increase, reaching US$320.6 million in 2025, which is more than double the value recorded in 2021. UAE non-oil exports to Gabon also grew by 27% year-on-year in 2025, totalling US$61.1 million. Key export categories included perfumes and consumer goods, petroleum distillates, and industrial equipment. The positive trend continued into the first half of 2026, with bilateral non-oil trade hitting US$141.7 million, and UAE non-oil exports more than doubling to US$62.7 million compared to the same period in 2025.

Strategic Cooperation Areas

The UAE delegation, which included government officials and business leaders, engaged in a series of meetings with senior Gabonese ministers. These discussions focused on cooperation and partnership opportunities in various strategic sectors:

• Renewable energy
• Technology
• Mining
• Infrastructure
• Food security
• Logistics

The visit also featured business-to-business meetings to explore prospects for strengthening private-sector partnerships. A notable event was the official opening of the SOLEN solar power plant in Aimé Plaine, attended by Al Zeyoudi and Gabonese officials, underscoring the focus on renewable energy.

CEPA's Impact

The visit follows the signing of the CEPA between the UAE and Gabon in Abu Dhabi in February 2026. This agreement aims to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and boost investment flows in critical areas such as agriculture, logistics, mining, and renewable energy. This partnership with Gabon is part of the UAE's broader strategy to expand its economic alliances across Africa. Since its launch in September 2021, the UAE’s CEPA program has forged agreements with economies globally, supporting its goals for sustainable trade and investment. The UAE remains a significant source of foreign direct investment in Africa, with over US$110 billion invested between 2019 and 2024.