The economic partnership between the UAE and Gabon provides investment opportunities in mining, food production and services

The Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, confirmed that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Republic of Gabon constitutes a qualitative step to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and opens new horizons for joint investment in priority sectors, especially mining, food production and services.

Al-Zeyoudi said, in a statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that “Gabon is a promising economic partner for the UAE in light of the stable growth potential of its economy, as its gross domestic product reached about $20.6 billion in 2024, with expectations of growth of approximately 3% during the year 2025.”

He pointed out that natural resources constitute a fundamental pillar of the Gabonese economy, as raw materials represent more than 90% of total exports and include oil and its derivatives, manganese used in the steel industry and fertilizer production, in addition to timber, forest products, and agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and rubber.

Al-Zeyoudi explained that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will contribute to strengthening the UAE’s presence in the resource-rich and high-potential West Africa region and supporting the growth of bilateral trade, as the value of non-oil trade between the two countries reached about $320.7 million (1.17 billion dirhams) in 2025, registering growth compared to 2024 and more than double the value recorded in 2021.

Gabon’s most prominent non-oil exports to the UAE include manganese, rubber and timber.

Al-Zeyoudi explained that the agreement aims to remove or reduce customs duties, reduce unnecessary obstacles to trade, expand access to exports of services, in addition to establishing a regulating framework for digital trade and establishing a clear mechanism for settling disputes in a way that enhances the business climate and stimulates mutual investments.

He added that the agreement would strengthen the UAE’s position as a global center for supply chains and a major link between the Arab world, Europe, Asia and Africa, and would support cooperation between the two private sectors in a number of service sectors, including logistics, construction, engineering, health care, education, environment, financial services and communications.

Regarding the date of entry into force of the agreement, Al-Zeyoudi explained that the two sides will begin ratification procedures after signing, with the agreement entering into force after its completion by both parties. He pointed out that the benefits will begin to appear immediately after implementation by simplifying customs procedures, reducing fees, and enhancing the access of goods and services to the markets of the two countries, in a way that supports joint economic growth and enhances the strategic partnership between the UAE and the Republic of Gabon.