Abu Dhabi:The Ministry of Foreign Trade, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized a UAE-Benin business roundtable to explore trade and investment opportunities under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the two countries. The meeting was attended by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Deputy Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Khalid bin Hadi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber's Board of Directors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Beninese delegation included Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, in charge of Industry and Private Investment Promotion; and Corinne Amori Brunet, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin, alongside senior officials and private sector representatives.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the roundtable as a platform to strengthen business ties and convert shared interests into concrete investment projects and partnerships. He pointed out Benin's rapid economic growth of around 7.5 percent, presenting opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure, and investment. The UAE is particularly interested in expanding its business and investment presence in promising African markets, focusing on logistics, manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications.
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Benin saw a significant increase of 63.5 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching approximately US$2.15 billion. The CEPA aims to further boost trade and investment by reducing tariffs, simplifying trade procedures, and enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to access opportunities in both markets. Al Zeyoudi urged businesses in both countries to capitalize on the agreement and develop long-term partnerships, highlighting the private sector's role in supporting the expansion of UAE companies into African markets.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan remarked that the agreement underscores both nations' dedication to enhancing economic cooperation by facilitating trade, improving market access, and encouraging mutual investment. He identified investment opportunities for the UAE in Benin, particularly in technology, renewable energy, logistics, and agriculture, emphasizing the importance of private sector participation in developing commercially viable projects.
Olushegun Adjadi Bakari welcomed the strengthening economic ties and expressed interest in leveraging the UAE's position as a global trade hub to expand Benin's access to international markets. He highlighted Benin's robust fiscal policies, promising development prospects, and investment opportunities, viewing the CEPA as the beginning of a new phase in economic cooperation. Bakari invited UAE companies to explore investment opportunities in Benin, which could serve as a gateway to West African markets with a population exceeding 400 million.
Khalid bin Hadi noted that the Abu Dhabi Chamber signed a memorandum of understanding with the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2022 to promote cooperation in trade, investment, and business development. He identified opportunities in food processing, light manufacturing, construction materials, logistics, and technology, which could strengthen supply chains and create new business opportunities. Abu Dhabi's advanced infrastructure and global business connectivity, combined with Benin's industrial development potential and access to West African markets, provide a foundation for partnerships supporting economic diversification and regional integration.