President His Highness, In the presence of His Excellency Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The agreement’s primary goal is expanding bilateral trade and investment opportunities, especially in important areas.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, signed the deal on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. In contrast, His Excellency Patrick Akoloza, Minister of Trade and Industry, signed it on behalf of the Central African Republic.
His Highness “The signing of the CEPA signifies a new chapter in the UAE’s relationship with the Central African Republic, motivated by their shared vision for growth and sustainable development to achieve mutual economic and social benefits,” said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He emphasized that new trade, investment, and partnership opportunities that benefit both countries are the goal of the deal.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra praised the agreement’s signing and said he hoped it would improve economic relations between the UAE and the Central African Republic and help both nations achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.
In 2024, non-oil trade between the United Arab Emirates and the Central African Republic was over US$252 million, a 75% increase over the year before. Essential consumer goods like food items, clothing, and electronics, as well as machinery and medications that support important industries throughout Africa, are among the UAE’s non-oil exports to the CAR.
Meanwhile, the Central African Republic exports necessary mineral resources like gold and diamonds to the United Arab Emirates, along with agricultural products like coffee, cotton, and cassava.
By lowering or eliminating tariffs, removing non-tariff trade barriers, and encouraging investment in essential industries, including technology, infrastructure, and agriculture, the CEPA is anticipated to expand market access for domestically produced goods in both nations.
The deal highlights the UAE’s dedication to strengthening essential economic connections with African countries. This reflects the continent’s growing importance in the global economy as it continues to broaden its global trade network.
Through the agreement, both nations hope to ease trade, remove or lower taxes, and provide the groundwork for more extensive collaboration in several areas. The UAE’s goal to boost overall non-oil trade to USD 1.1 trillion by 2031 is largely based on the CEPA program.
It has been essential in expanding access to markets with rapid growth, and it has made a substantial contribution to the UAE’s overall trade volume, which in 2024 hit a record USD 816 billion, up 14.6% from 2023.
The announcement of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two nations was also witnessed by His Excellency, the President of the Central African Republic, and His Highness, the President of the United Arab Emirates, during the meeting.
These included, among other things, infrastructure, mineral resources, education, double taxation avoidance, and maintaining and promoting investments.
A wider plan to improve trade relations with African countries includes the UAE’s involvement with the CAR. This strategy aims to create relationships that benefit both parties and acknowledge Africa’s expanding position in the global economy.
For example, the UAE signed its first CEPA with a country on the African continent, Kenya, in January 2025. This agreement aims to increase market accessibility, remove trade restrictions, and encourage investment in important industries, including technology, tourism, and agriculture.
The deal is anticipated to reinforce the UAE’s status as a significant global financial and logistical hub and to fortify Kenya’s position as a gateway to East and Southern Africa.
Likewise, the UAE signed its first CEPA with an African country, Mauritius, in 2024. As part of this deal, the UAE promised to remove 97% of its duties on UAE imports, and Mauritius agreed to remove 99% of its levies. By 2030, the agreement is expected to increase Mauritius’s GDP by more than 1% and the UAE’s GDP by 0.96%.
The CEPA’s relationship with the UAE offers the CAR a chance to improve its economic diversification and global market integration. CAR can increase exports, draw in international investment, and promote economic progress by obtaining better access to the UAE’s vibrant market.
The emphasis on industries like mining and agriculture aligns with the CAR’s development priorities and economic strengths.
A significant turning point in their bilateral relationship, the signing of the CEPA between the UAE and CAR, demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainable development and economic cooperation.
As the agreement is put into effect, it could open up new doors for communities and companies in both nations, resulting in a collaboration that boosts regional and international economic growth.
Office 2505, 25th Floor, Regal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE P.O Box 27614.
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com
