The recent signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of Benin marks a significant milestone in the growth of bilateral relations and cements the UAE’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic partnerships that benefit both nations. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, highlighted that this agreement is crucial for expanding economic cooperation and promoting sustainable development.
Strengthening Economic Cooperation
In his remarks, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the economic partnership agreement would create new opportunities for both countries’ business communities, enhancing economic resilience and sustainable prosperity for their peoples. His sentiments were echoed by the President of Benin, who underscored the importance of the agreement in pushing forward economic cooperation, affirming his country’s dedication to achieving its objectives in alignment with shared interests and sustainable development goals.
Details of the Agreement Exchange
The agreement was exchanged by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Benin’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, who is responsible for industry and encouraging private investment. Upon ratification and enforcement, the agreement aims to reduce or eliminate customs duties on a wide range of goods, dismantle unnecessary trade barriers, and improve market access for service providers and investors. This initiative is expected to enhance supply chain resilience and support the flow of trade and investment between the two nations.
Growing Trade Relations
The agreement is part of a growing trend in trade relations between the UAE and Benin, with non-oil bilateral trade expected to reach USD 2.15 billion in 2025—a 65% increase compared to 2024 and more than double the figure recorded in 2021, which was USD 1.01 billion. This momentum has continued into the first half of 2026, with non-oil trade reaching USD 1.29 billion—an annual growth of 37.4%.
Enhancing UAE’s Global Trade Network
The comprehensive economic partnership agreement represents an important addition to the UAE’s expanding global trade network, reinforcing its position as a global hub for trade, investment, and logistics. This agreement is a key component of the UAE’s foreign trade agenda, which has been actively promoting international partnerships since the launch of its economic partnership agreement programme in September 2021. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to open, rules-based trade as a driver of economic growth, diversification, and new business opportunities in high-growth markets worldwide.
Additional Collaborations Announced
In addition to the economic partnership agreement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed also witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and cooperation protocols. These include:
- A memorandum regarding political consultations between the two nations.
- An agreement to establish a joint committee on consular affairs.
- An MoU between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Benin.
- A letter of intent concerning data hosting and information systems.
- A memorandum of understanding in the field of labour, alongside a protocol for cooperation in domestic employment.
- An MoU for government expertise sharing.
- An agreement on strategic investment partnerships.
Government Officials Involved
The UAE delegation included Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Dr Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation; and Mohammed bin Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment. From the Benin side, the memoranda were exchanged by Corine Amourou Bruni, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hughes Oscar Lokossou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of external resource security and debt management; Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and Mahouna Akblougan, Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation responsible for the national artificial intelligence strategy.