UAE and Benin sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Benin President Romuald Wadagni have exchanged a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to bolster bilateral trade and investment. The agreement aims to reduce or eliminate customs duties on a wide range of goods, remove unnecessary trade barriers, and improve market access for service providers and investors.

The partnership seeks to enhance supply chain resilience and stimulate mutual economic growth. Key sectors identified for cooperation include renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, food security, and investment.

Non-oil bilateral trade between the UAE and Benin has shown significant growth, reaching $2.15 billion in 2025, a 65% increase from 2024. This momentum continued into the first half of 2026, with non-oil trade totaling $1.29 billion, representing a 37.4% year-on-year increase.