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The Emirates News Agency reported that Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema received Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and a high-level UAE delegation in the Gabonese capital. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen cooperation in sectors of common interest and translate the expanding bilateral relationship into practical outcomes. The talks reflected both countries’ shared goals of advancing economic priorities through deeper integration.
According to the Emirates News Agency, Al Zeyoudi headed a group comprising government officials, business leaders and representatives from Emirati companies in priority industries. The delegation also included Jassim Al Qasimi, UAE Ambassador to Gabon, and Mohammed Rashid bin Tali’a, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Government Knowledge Exchange. Members of the group toured the Nok Private Investment Zone to examine on-the-ground opportunities for collaboration.
Ministry of Foreign Trade data places non-oil trade between the UAE and Gabon at $320.6 million in 2025, more than double the figure from 2021. UAE non-oil exports to Gabon rose 27 percent year-on-year that year to $61.1 million, led by perfumes, consumer goods, petroleum distillates and industrial equipment. Bilateral non-oil trade reached $141.7 million in the first half of 2026, with UAE exports more than doubling to $62.7 million over the same period in 2025.
Al Zeyoudi described Gabon as a growing trade and investment partner for the UAE in Africa. “Gabon is a growing trade and investment partner for the UAE in Africa, and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between our two countries establishes a framework to accelerate trade and open up investment opportunities across priority sectors. This visit reflects our mutual commitment to translate the CEPA into tangible results for the business communities of both countries and to maximise the benefits of deeper trade and investment integration between our two nations,” he said according to the Emirates News Agency.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi in February 2026. Emirates News Agency reporting indicated the pact seeks to reduce tariffs, eliminate trade barriers and facilitate investment in agriculture, logistics, mining and renewable energy. Gabon has indicated it aims to leverage Emirati expertise to support projects in infrastructure, energy and natural resources.
The UAE has broadened its economic partnerships across Africa in recent years. Official statistics cited by the Emirates News Agency show non-oil trade with the continent totalled the equivalent of $158.2 billion in 2025, a 41.6 percent increase from 2024 that lifted Africa’s share of UAE non-oil trade to 15.5 percent. The Emirates News Agency added that the UAE provided more than $110 billion in foreign direct investment across Africa from 2019 to 2024, positioning it as the continent’s top source of new FDI.
