Abu dhabi: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, has announced that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and Angola is set to significantly enhance trade ties with the high-growth Sub-Saharan and West African markets. The agreement aims to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion annually by 2033.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized Angola’s potential, noting its young population, abundant natural resources, and projected GDP growth of 4.4% in 2024. He highlighted that the agreement capitalizes on existing trade momentum, focusing on sectors such as gemstones, minerals, mining, digital trade, and agri-tech. Angola’s strategic location on the Atlantic coast further positions it as a potential logistics hub.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi detailed the progress in UAE-Angola trade relations since their establishment in 1997. In 2024, non-oil bilateral trade reached USD 2.17 billion, reflecting a 2.6% growth from the previous year. UAE’s non-oil exports to Angola totaled USD 135.6 million, while the first half of 2025 saw bilateral non-oil trade at approximately USD 1.4 billion, a 29.7% rise compared to the same period in 2024.
In 2024, the UAE’s imports from Angola primarily consisted of diamonds, gold, copper bars, rods and alloys, and grains, which represented 99.8% of total imports. UAE’s key exports to Angola included light petroleum distillates, iron and steel, and metal structures, accounting for 50% of total exports. Re-exports focused on vehicles and mechanical components, also making up 50% of re-exported goods.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi underscored opportunities for expanding trade in sectors like energy, infrastructure, mining, logistics, tourism, and healthcare. Notable UAE companies are already active in Angola, including Masdar with a 150 MW solar project and Dubai Investments with a large-scale industrial park. AD Ports Group has also begun operations at the Port of Luanda.
The CEPA is integral to the UAE’s economic strategy, aiming to increase foreign trade to AED 4 trillion (USD 1.1 trillion) by 2031 and to double exports. The agreement will facilitate this by eliminating tariffs, removing trade barriers, and establishing frameworks for digital trade. It is expected to boost non-oil bilateral trade, add USD 1 billion to the GDP of both nations, and create 30,000 jobs.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the balanced nature of the agreement, which allows for increased imports from Angola, including glass and optical goods, while boosting UAE exports in sectors like machinery and chemicals. The CEPA also enhances cooperation in vital service sectors that contribute significantly to Angola’s GDP.
The agreement supports SMEs by easing trade restrictions, fostering collaboration, and establishing a committee to aid these enterprises. Once ratified by both countries, the CEPA will bring immediate benefits, such as streamlined customs processes and increased market access.