UAE and DR Congo Sign CEPA to Enhance Economic Cooperation and Trade
The UAE and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi, attended by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. The agreement aims to boost trade and investment flows, reduce tariffs, and eliminate trade barriers, particularly in sectors like mining, agriculture, and clean energy.
DRC's GDP is approximately USD 70.75 billion, positioning it among Africa's top economies and as a key producer of cobalt and essential minerals. Non-oil trade between the two nations reached USD 2.9 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 16.1% increase year-on-year.
Additionally, the leaders signed MoUs for investment cooperation in mining and between their diplomatic academies. This CEPA is part of the UAE's broader strategy to increase non-oil foreign trade to USD 1.1 trillion by 2031.
