In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon welcomed His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE, and his accompanying delegation during an official visit to the capital, Libreville.
Enhancing Economic Ties
The discussions primarily focused on strengthening trade and investment relations between the two nations, exploring ways to translate the growing momentum of their comprehensive economic partnership into tangible opportunities for their business communities. This will contribute to sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
Greetings and Good Wishes
At the start of the meeting, Dr Al Zeyoudi conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, alongside sincere wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Gabonese government and its friendly people.
Commitment to Mutual Development
In response, President Nguema expressed his regards to the Emirati leadership and extended his best wishes for the UAE’s ongoing advancement and welfare. He emphasised Gabon’s commitment to nurturing the strong ties between the two nations and advancing collaboration across various sectors of mutual interest, particularly in trade and investment.
Strategic Economic Framework
During the meeting, both parties examined ways to enhance cooperation in vital sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and logistics. Dr Al Zeyoudi noted that Gabon is a growing trade and investment partner for the UAE in Africa. The newly established comprehensive economic partnership agreement aims to expedite trade and open investment avenues in priority sectors.
Current Trade Landscape
Dr Al Zeyoudi highlighted that non-oil trade between the UAE and Gabon reached $320.6 million in 2025, more than double the figure recorded in 2021. Exports of non-oil goods from the UAE to Gabon increased by 27% year-on-year in 2025, totalling $61.1 million, with key categories including perfumes, consumer goods, petroleum derivatives, and industrial equipment. Furthermore, in the first half of 2026, the value of bilateral non-oil trade was $141.7 million, with UAE exports to Gabon increasing to approximately $62.7 million compared to the same period in 2025.
Trade Delegation Activities
As part of the “Emirati Trade Days,” Minister Al Zeyoudi led a delegation encompassing government officials, business leaders, and representatives from several UAE companies to Gabon. Present at the meetings were notable Gabonese officials, including Hermann Immongault, Deputy Prime Minister, and other ministers from key sectors. The meetings focused on enhancing trade and investment cooperation while exploring new partnership horizons.
Events and Initiatives
During his visit, Dr Al Zeyoudi attended the official inauguration of the SOLEN Solar Power Station in Aimé Blin, in the presence of the Gabonese Deputy Prime Minister and other government officials. The UAE delegation also visited the Nok investment area, reflecting a commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Strategic Goals
This visit is pivotal in reinforcing the friendly relations between the UAE and Gabon, following the signing of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement in February, aimed at eliminating trade barriers and enhancing investment flows in crucial sectors such as agriculture, logistics, mining, and renewable energy. It aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to expand its economic partnerships globally, particularly across Africa, where it has established a footprint for over $110 billion in foreign direct investments from 2019 to 2024.