UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, have witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations.
The CEPA was signed during a ceremony at Qasr Al Shati by HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone. The agreement is expected to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.
The agreement will reduce trade barriers, enhance investment flows, and promote private sector collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed noted that the agreement represents a significant step forward in deepening economic ties with Sierra Leone across a broad range of priority sectors. His Highness noted that it reflects the UAE’s longstanding commitment to building partnerships with countries around the world, aimed at driving sustainable development, fostering shared prosperity, and creating new opportunities for future generations.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, stated that signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the Republic of Sierra Leone is an important step that strengthens the UAE’s presence in West Africa and opens new horizons for trade and investment cooperation with one of the continent’s promising economies.
Image credits: WAM | Cropped by GBN
In recent years, trade between the UAE and Sierra Leone has recorded strong growth, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching $153 million in 2025. The UAE-Sierra Leone CEPA supports the UAE’s long-term strategy to deepen economic ties with Africa and promote sustainable growth and diversification across the continent.
The UAE is Africa’s largest source of new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), having invested more than $110 billion since 2019. Through expanding trade and investment partnerships, the UAE aims to unlock new business opportunities and drive mutually beneficial economic growth.
