President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE met with Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors. According to Gulf Today, their meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, focused on economic, trade, and investment opportunities, as well as areas such as renewable energy and infrastructure, which are vital for both nations’ development.

During the visit, Touadéra congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on the occasion of Ramadan and expressed his wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE. Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the UAE’s commitment to building development partnerships with African countries to foster a sustainable and prosperous future for all involved.

The leaders also oversaw the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the UAE and the Central African Republic. The CEPA was signed on behalf of the UAE by Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and by Patrick Akoloza, Minister of Trade and Industry for the Central African Republic. Sheikh Mohamed stated that this agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in their relationship, focused on mutual economic and social benefits.

Both leaders expressed optimism that the CEPA would create new opportunities for trade and investment, benefitting both nations. Touadéra highlighted his hope that the agreement would enhance economic ties and contribute to sustainable development in the Central African Republic and the UAE.

In addition to the CEPA, several agreements and memoranda of understanding were announced, covering areas such as investment protection and promotion, double taxation avoidance, infrastructure, mineral resources, and education. The meeting was attended by various high-ranking officials, including Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and the Central African Republic reached approximately US$252 million in 2024, representing a significant 75 percent increase from the previous year. The UAE exports essential consumer goods, including food, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, to the Central African Republic, while the Central African Republic exports agricultural products and valuable mineral resources to the UAE.

The CEPA is expected to enhance market access for locally produced goods in both countries by reducing tariffs and removing non-tariff trade barriers. This agreement highlights the UAE’s focus on strengthening strategic economic ties with African nations, acknowledging the continent’s growing significance in the global economy.