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The United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement during a ceremony witnessed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC. The agreement was signed at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of International Trade of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the comprehensive economic partnership agreement represents a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations between the two nations. The UAE leader emphasized that the deal embodies the country’s consistent approach to building effective development partnerships that achieve economic growth and prosperity for all while expanding opportunities for future generations.
Reducing Trade Barriers and Tariffs
The comprehensive economic partnership agreement aims to reduce customs duties and eliminate trade barriers, enhancing trade and investment flows between the two countries. The deal is expected to create opportunities for new partnerships between the private sectors in both nations across key sectors including mining, agriculture, and clean energy.
Additionally, the agreement will facilitate cross-border investments and support small and medium enterprises in both countries. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his anticipation that the partnership will contribute to a qualitative leap in economic cooperation through increased trade and investment flows and stimulate mutual growth.
Strategic Economic Significance
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a gross domestic product of approximately 70.75 billion dollars, making it among the ten largest economies in Africa. As a leading global producer of cobalt and a major source of essential minerals for the electric vehicle and energy transition sectors, the DRC offers significant opportunities for the UAE to expand trade in central and eastern Africa.
However, the partnership extends beyond minerals. The agreement positions the UAE to leverage its status as a global trading hub to strengthen relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo, contributing to shared prosperity and sustainable development.
Growing Trade Relations Under Economic Partnership
Non-oil trade exchange between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of Congo reached 2.9 billion dollars in 2025, recording an annual increase of 16.1 percent, according to official figures. With bilateral trade continuing to grow, the comprehensive economic partnership agreement is expected to further enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the agreement represents an important addition to the UAE’s network of trade partners. Under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement program announced in September 2021, the country has completed more than 30 agreements, with 14 having entered into force.
Additional Cooperation Agreements
In contrast to focusing solely on trade, the two leaders also witnessed the signing of several supplementary agreements. A memorandum of understanding on investment cooperation in the minerals sector was signed, along with an agreement between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the Congolese Diplomatic Academy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie.
Furthermore, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, signed on behalf of the UAE, while Louis Kabamba, Minister of Minerals, and Noëlla Iganagato Nakuibouni, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed for the DRC. An announcement of cooperation in maritime transport was also made during the ceremony.
The signed agreements will require ratification procedures in both countries before entering into force, though authorities have not confirmed specific timelines for implementation. The partnership reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen trade relationships across Africa.
