Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, has embarked on a significant visit to Gabon aimed at deepening economic ties between the two nations. He engaged in discussions with President General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, relaying the warm regards from the UAE leadership and wishing for the ongoing prosperity and peace of the Gabonese people. Accompanied by UAE Ambassador Salem Al Shamsi, Al Zeyoudi explored avenues for cooperation in sectors such as energy, mining, logistics, and digital transformation.
Throughout the visit, he held fruitful meetings with various Gabonese ministers, including Gilles Nembe, Minister of Mining and Energy; Louise Mvono, Minister of Petroleum and Planning; and Arthur Lemami, Director of Cabinet for the President. These dialogues were centered on fostering new collaborative prospects that align with the long-term economic interests of both nations.
The figures reveal that the UAE’s non-oil trade with Gabon surged to US$238.1 million within the first nine months of 2025, representing a notable increase of 36.9% from 2023. This positive trend underscores the potential for enriched economic collaboration and reinforces the success of the ongoing initiatives to solidify bilateral relations. Al Zeyoudi reiterated that this visit symbolizes the UAE’s dedication to expanding and enhancing its partnership with Gabon for robust economic development.
Both countries accentuated the necessity to amplify trade and investment flows during their engagements. Additionally, they evaluated areas where private sector cooperation could flourish, notably through the UAE’s CEPA initiative, which is dedicated to business advancement and economic upliftment. Currently, the UAE has established CEPA agreements with five African nations, with another actively operational, aiming to broaden its free trade network across the continent.
As the discussions wrapped up, both the UAE and Gabon displayed strong enthusiasm for future agreements focusing on enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The UAE is committed to strengthening its connections with African nations, acknowledging the continent's pivotal role in global economic dynamics. In 2024, the non-oil trade between the UAE and Africa reached US$112 billion, reflecting a 34% increase year-on-year.
Having invested more than US$110 billion in Africa from 2019 to 2024, the UAE stands as one of the continent’s leading investors, aspiring to drive inclusive development through its strategic partnerships while fostering significant opportunities for mutual growth.
