The comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially come into effect, marking the beginning of a new era in trade and investment cooperation between the two nations. This agreement abolishes customs duties on the vast majority of tariff items, harmonises customs procedures, and removes unnecessary trade barriers.
Objectives of the Agreement
The primary aim of the agreement is to enhance trade flows and facilitate mutual investments in key sectors, including logistics, energy, and manufacturing, thereby supporting the economic growth aspirations of both countries.
Minister’s Statement
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasised that the agreement provides a crucial gateway for UAE private sector access to African markets. He stated, “The UAE’s ambitions in foreign trade are founded on connecting our markets with the economies poised for growth around the world. The enforcement of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo represents an important step towards achieving our economic agenda. It enhances access to the markets of a nation that pursues advanced development programmes, and it opens the door to a wider region rich in promising opportunities for UAE exporters, investors, and industrial sectors.”
Economic Landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the largest ten economies in Africa, boasting a GDP of $122.28 billion, with a growth rate of 5.2%. It also holds a strategic geographical position, sharing borders with nine countries, making it a key gateway for expanding trade in Central and East Africa.
Rich in natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest producer of cobalt in the world, accounting for over 70% of global supplies, and it is the top producer of copper in Africa. Furthermore, it serves as a vital source of gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten, which are essential minerals in the production of electrical components and technologies related to the energy transition.
Growing Trade Relations
The implementation of the agreement coincides with the growing momentum in trade relations between the two countries, with non-oil bilateral trade reaching $3.5 billion in 2025, representing a 38.5% increase compared to 2024.
The Democratic Republic of Congo presents a significant market for UAE exports, which encompass vehicles, machinery, electronics, and construction materials. Meanwhile, the UAE plays a pivotal role as a gateway for Congolese exports to global markets, spanning minerals to food products, cotton, and other agricultural goods.
Strategic Trade Partnerships
The programme for comprehensive economic partnership agreements is a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic vision, aiming to build stronger and more integrated trade relations with the world’s most dynamic markets.
To date, the UAE has signed 40 comprehensive economic partnership agreements with countries worldwide, 20 of which are already in effect.