UAE and Benin exchange CEPA in Abu Dhabi

The UAE and Benin exchanged a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on Sunday aimed at significantly expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the exchange in Abu Dhabi alongside Benin President Romuald Wadagni.

Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi said the agreement is expected to increase UAE exports to Benin by more than $1 billion by 2033, while Benin’s exports to the UAE could rise by more than $100 million over the same period.

The deal will liberalise around 97 per cent of current trade between the two countries and remove or reduce tariffs across a wide range of goods.

Dr Al Zeyoudi said the agreement would create opportunities in sectors including renewable energy, logistics, electronics, technology, food products and infrastructure.

He also highlighted Benin’s role as a gateway to neighbouring African markets, saying stronger logistics links could help expand the movement of goods and services between the UAE, Benin and the wider region.

The agreement forms part of the UAE’s wider CEPA programme, aimed at opening new international markets and expanding opportunities for UAE businesses.

Today in Abu Dhabi I was joined by President Romuald Wadagni (@WadagniRomuald) to witness the exchange of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Benin, an important step in strengthening cooperation between our two countries and expanding opportunities… pic.twitter.com/U3TMyltBXf

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) October 25, 2026

The UAE and Benin Presidents also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties during a meeting on Sunday, with a focus on economic and investment cooperation.