The UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have taken a decisive step to deepen economic ties with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, formalising a strategic relationship aimed at expanding trade, investment, and long-term development.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reflects both countries’ shared ambition to strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities across priority sectors.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the agreement represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations and aligns with the UAE’s approach to building effective development partnerships that support sustainable growth and future generations. He expressed confidence that the CEPA would accelerate trade and investment flows while supporting shared development goals.
The agreement was signed at Qasr Al Shati by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Julien Paluku Kahongya, the DRC’s Minister for International Trade. The CEPA will reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and encourage private sector collaboration in areas including mining, agriculture, and clean energy.
With a GDP of approximately USD 70.75 billion, the DRC is among Africa’s top ten economies and a global leader in cobalt production, positioning it as a key gateway to Central and Eastern Africa. UAE-DRC non-oil trade reached USD 2.9 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up 16.1 percent year on year.
The leaders also witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding covering mining investment, diplomatic training cooperation, and maritime transport, further broadening the scope of bilateral engagement.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
