UAE Strengthens Trade Ties with Senegal and Gabon

Sep 6, 2026

72 min

Sep 6, 2026 14:30

UAE expands Africa trade push with Senegal and Gabon visits

## Expanding Trade Relations

The United Arab Emirates is enhancing its trade and investment connections with Senegal and Gabon. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, recently visited Dakar and Libreville to discuss opportunities in sectors such as mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, food security, and logistics.

## Growth in Trade Figures

Trade between the UAE and Senegal saw a significant increase, reaching approximately $1.3 billion in 2025, a 24.5% rise from the previous year. In the first half of 2026, trade exceeded $751 million, marking a 31% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, non-oil trade with Gabon reached $320.6 million in 2025, more than doubling since 2021. UAE exports to Gabon rose by 27% last year.

## High-Level Meetings

During the visit to Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye met with Al Zeyoudi and the UAE delegation to discuss enhancing trade and investment relations. In Gabon, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema hosted the UAE delegation, focusing on strengthening bilateral trade. The UAE's non-oil exports to Gabon more than doubled in the first half of 2026.

## Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

In February 2026, the UAE and Gabon signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and increasing investment flows in various sectors. This agreement is part of the UAE's broader strategy to boost trade across Africa, with non-oil trade reaching about $158 billion in 2025, a 41.6% increase from 2024.

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