The United Arab Emirates is enhancing its economic partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This visit marks an important step toward developing mutually beneficial economic relations. Led by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Foreign Trade, a high-level government and business delegation attended the “UAE-Congolese Trade and Investment Day” held in the city of Kolwezi. The event resulted in the signing of 16 memorandums of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various promising fields.
Signing Memorandums of Understanding to Enhance Cooperation
During the visit, the two sides signed several memorandums of understanding targeting diverse sectors such as mining, solar energy, agriculture, food security, digital transformation, and infrastructure. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the UAE’s commitment to strengthening the existing economic partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the tremendous potential that can be harnessed for mutual success. These initiatives aim to implement sustainable development strategies that benefit both parties, contributing to growth across various sectors.
Meetings with Congolese Officials
On the sidelines of the event, Al Zeyoudi and his accompanying delegation held several meetings with prominent government officials, including Sylvie Masuka Saini, the Governor of Lualaba Province. The discussions focused on experiences and perspectives regarding the development of vital sectors and the enhancement of bilateral cooperation. Kolwezi, which is the heart of the Congolese economy, hosts many valuable mineral resources, making the economic partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo strategically important.
Enormous Economic Potential
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is among the largest economies in Africa, with a GDP of approximately $70.75 billion. Non-oil trade between the Congo and the UAE has witnessed significant growth, reaching a value of $2.1 billion during the first nine months of 2025, with an annual growth rate of 19.2%. Both countries are continuously seeking to develop joint projects and enhance cross-border investments, further increasing the importance of their economic partnership.
Future Vision for Cooperation
The UAE continues to seek new opportunities to deepen ties with the African continent, leveraging its substantial economic potential. The value of non-oil trade between the UAE and African countries stands at $112 billion, with a notable increase of 34% during 2024. Thanks to ongoing investments exceeding $110 billion in Africa since 2019, the strategic vision of the UAE to enhance its economic partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is becoming increasingly clear.