Uae: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations. The agreement is set to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations.
According to Emirates News Agency, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized that the agreement is a crucial step in enhancing economic ties with Sierra Leone across a wide range of priority sectors. He highlighted that it underscores the UAE's longstanding dedication to forming partnerships with countries globally, aiming at sustainable development, shared prosperity, and opening new opportunities for future generations.
The CEPA was formalized during a ceremony at Qasr Al Shati, where His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone, signed the agreement. This accord will lower trade barriers, boost investment flows, and encourage private sector collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
In recent years, the trade relationship between the UAE and Sierra Leone has shown growth, with bilateral non-oil foreign trade reaching USD153 million in 2025. The UAE-Sierra Leone CEPA is aligned with the UAE's long-term goal of strengthening economic ties with African nations, reflecting its commitment to fostering economic growth and diversification across the continent.
The UAE stands as Africa's largest source of new foreign direct investment (FDI), with over USD110 billion invested across the continent since 2019. As the UAE continues to enhance its trade and investment relationships with Africa, it seeks to unlock new opportunities for businesses and create enduring partnerships that will drive mutually beneficial economic growth.