UAE-Angola Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Aims For USD 10 Billion In Annual Trade By 2033

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and Angola is set to strengthen ties with Sub-Saharan and West African markets. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted that this partnership aims to boost Angola's development through strategic investments.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted Angola's potential due to its young population, rich natural resources, and a projected GDP growth of 4.4% in 2024. The agreement builds on existing trade momentum, especially in gemstones, minerals, mining, digital trade, and agri-tech sectors.

Since establishing relations in 1997, UAE-Angola trade has grown significantly. In 2024, non-oil bilateral trade reached USD 2.17 billion, a 2.6% increase from 2023. During the first half of 2025, it rose by 29.7% compared to the same period in 2024.

The UAE's imports from Angola in 2024 were mainly diamonds, gold, copper bars, rods and alloys (worked and unworked), and grains. These accounted for nearly all imports. Key exports included light petroleum distillates, iron and steel products, taps and valves, metal structures and parts, cigarettes, and perfumes.

Re-exports to Angola in 2024 focused on vehicles, diesel trucks, spare parts, and mechanical components. These represented half of the total re-exported goods. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasised opportunities for expanding trade in energy, infrastructure, mining, logistics, tourism, and healthcare sectors.

Notable UAE companies are already active in Angola. Masdar is developing a solar power project to provide renewable energy to around 90,000 homes. Dubai Investments is constructing the "Dubai Investments Park – Angola" over an area of 2,000 hectares.

Economic Impact

The CEPA aims to support the UAE's economic goals by boosting foreign trade value to AED 4 trillion (USD 1.1 trillion) by 2031 while doubling exports within the same timeframe. The agreement will help achieve these targets by reducing tariffs and removing unnecessary trade barriers.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi predicted that CEPA would increase non-oil bilateral trade to over USD 10 billion annually by 2033. It is expected to add about USD 1 billion to both countries' GDPs and create nearly 30,000 new jobs.

Mutual Benefits

The agreement allows additional imports from Angola worth up to USD 993.6 million in products like glass and fish while increasing UAE exports by up to USD 235 million in machinery and electrical equipment.

Services sectors such as business logistics and healthcare will also benefit from enhanced cooperation under CEPA. Services make up nearly 40% of Angola’s GDP.

Support for SMEs

The agreement will aid SMEs by easing trade restrictions and fostering collaboration between support centres like incubators and accelerators. A dedicated committee will be formed to equip SMEs with tools for seizing new opportunities.

Once ratified by both nations, CEPA will bring immediate benefits like streamlined customs processes and increased market access through reduced tariffs.

With inputs from WAM