UAE and Benin agree to trade deal in Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates and Benin have reached a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signaling a new era of trade and investment between the two nations. The historic deal was signed in Abu Dhabi on Sunday by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, Benin's President Romuald Wadagni, and key trade officials from both countries. Once ratified, the agreement will significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on a broad spectrum of goods, dismantle trade barriers, and enhance market access for service providers and investors.

The importance of the deal lies in its potential to boost bilateral trade and investment flows, which have been rapidly growing in recent years.

Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Benin reached $2.15 billion in 2025, marking a 65% increase from 2024 and more than double the $1.01 billion seen in 2021. This impressive growth trajectory continued into 2026, with non-oil trade jumping to $1.29 billion in the first half of the year, representing a 37.4% year-on-year increase.

UAE Foreign Trade Minister Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi and Benin's Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade Olushegun Adjadi Bakari played pivotal roles in finalizing the agreement. Both leaders emphasized the deal's significance in advancing shared sustainable development goals and creating new opportunities for their respective business communities.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the agreement as a "significant milestone" in bilateral relations, underscoring its role in strengthening economic resilience and fostering prosperity in the region.