UAE-Angola CEPA Boosts Trade, Investment, and Cooperation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of Angola have taken a major step in strengthening their economic partnership by signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This landmark deal was witnessed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Angolan President João Manuel Lourenço during Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit to Angola.
The CEPA aims to boost trade, increase investments, and expand cooperation between the two nations, creating opportunities for businesses, investors, and citizens alike.
Boosting Trade and Investment
The UAE-Angola CEPA focuses on removing trade barriers, reducing customs duties, and opening new markets for both countries. By simplifying trade processes, the agreement is expected to encourage businesses to explore new opportunities and expand their services across borders.
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Angola reached USD 2.17 billion in 2024. In the first half of 2025, trade grew by nearly 30% to USD 1.4 billion. With the CEPA, trade is expected to grow further, potentially reaching USD 10 billion annually by 2033.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, highlighted Angola’s young population, natural resources, and steady GDP growth, making it a promising partner. Key trade areas include minerals, gemstones, digital trade, and agriculture technology, where cooperation is expected to strengthen further.
Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors
The CEPA is not limited to trade and investment. Several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were also signed to strengthen cooperation in various areas:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): An MoU was signed between Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, and José de Lima Massano, Angolan Minister of State for Economic Coordination. This MoU will help both countries advance AI technologies and applications.
- Financial Cooperation: The Central Bank of the UAE and the National Bank of Angola signed an MoU to boost financial stability and cooperation between the countries.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Al Dahra, a UAE-based agribusiness, signed an MoU with the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to support agricultural development and food security initiatives.
Additionally, the UAE and Angola signed agreements in areas such as tourism, renewable energy, culture, education, labor, sports, health, climate action, technology, and diplomatic cooperation. These collaborations are aimed at driving long-term growth and sustainable development for both nations.
UAE’s Vision for Strategic Partnerships
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized that the CEPA is an important step in building strategic partnerships with African nations that share the UAE’s vision for economic growth and sustainability. The agreement reflects the UAE’s commitment to shared prosperity and future opportunities for younger generations.
President João Lourenço welcomed the CEPA and MoUs, highlighting their importance in diversifying economic cooperation and benefiting the people of both countries.
Expected Economic Impact
The UAE-Angola CEPA is expected to bring significant benefits to both countries:
- Trade Growth: Increased non-oil trade, which already reached USD 2.17 billion in 2024, will continue to rise, boosting economic activity.
- Economic Contribution: The agreement could contribute around USD 1 billion to each country’s GDP.
- Job Creation: The CEPA is expected to create nearly 30,000 new jobs, supporting youth employment and economic development.
These results highlight the potential of this partnership to strengthen economic ties and improve living standards for citizens of both nations.
A New Era of Cooperation
The signing of the CEPA marks a new chapter in UAE-Angola relations. By reducing trade barriers, expanding market access, and fostering collaboration in multiple sectors, the agreement sets the stage for sustained economic growth and mutual prosperity.
As both countries work together to implement the agreement, the UAE-Angola partnership is expected to become a model for international cooperation in Africa and the Middle East, driving long-term development and shared success.
