The UAE and Senegal have discussed avenues to strengthen trade and investment between the two nations, focusing on key priority sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and food security.
Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, led a high-level delegation to the Republic of Senegal, where he met with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, conveying the best wishes of the leadership of the UAE and wishing the Senegalese people prosperity and progress.
During his visit, Al Zeyoudi also engaged with various government ministries to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.
During the visit, 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, spanning a variety of sectors including energy, logistics, mining, industrial development, digital technologies, construction, and healthcare.
The Emirates and Senegal share a robust economic partnership, with non-oil trade reaching $933 million in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 21.1 percent year-on-year increase. With numerous opportunities still to be explored, this continued growth underscores the significant potential for further economic collaboration and investment between the two countries.
Al Zeyoudi said that, “The UAE is dedicated to expanding its relations with Senegal and the broader African continent. By strengthening our partnerships, we can drive sustainable economic growth and unlock new possibilities for both our nations.”
Furthermore, the discussions centered on strengthening economic cooperation and uncovering new opportunities for enhancing private sector collaboration. This aligns with the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program, which aims to expand trade and investment flows with high-growth economies worldwide, including those in Africa.
UAE’s Strong Economic Ties with Africa
The UAE remains committed to expanding relations with Africa, a continent rich in potential for economic growth. In 2024, the Emirates’ non-oil trade with African countries was $112 billion, a growth of 34 percent compared to 2023.
The UAE is also the continent’s largest source of new FDI, with over $110 billion invested across the continent between 2019 and 2024. Through ongoing partnerships and collaborative efforts, the Emirates aims to support sustainable development initiatives that will accelerate mutually beneficial economic growth.
