The UAE and Sierra Leone have taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral economic ties with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aimed at expanding trade, investment, and private sector collaboration between the two nations.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sierra Leone President His Excellency Julius Maada Bio witnessed the signing ceremony on Tuesday at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi. The agreement is expected to deepen economic cooperation across several priority sectors and support long-term sustainable growth.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed described the agreement as an important milestone in advancing economic relations with Sierra Leone. He said it reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to building global partnerships that promote shared prosperity, sustainable development, and future-focused economic opportunities.
The CEPA was signed by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Trade and Industry. The agreement is designed to reduce trade barriers, boost investment flows, and encourage collaboration between businesses in areas including agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
Trade between the UAE and Sierra Leone has seen steady growth in recent years, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching USD153 million in 2025. The new agreement aligns with the UAE’s long-term strategy to strengthen economic engagement with African nations.
The UAE remains Africa’s largest source of new foreign direct investment, having committed more than USD110 billion across the continent since 2019. Through agreements such as this CEPA, the UAE aims to unlock new commercial opportunities and support diversified, mutually beneficial economic growth.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
