Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Foreign Trade, conveyed the heartfelt greetings of the UAE leadership to President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, wishing the nation continued prosperity and progress. This took place during a meeting at the presidential palace in Libreville, which formed part of Dr. Al Zeyoudi’s official visit to Gabon accompanied by a delegation.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi led a team of officials and business leaders for an official trip to Gabon aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment connections under an agreement for a comprehensive economic partnership that was signed by both nations on February 7.
The discussions between the two sides focused on expanding cooperation in priority sectors. Key topics included enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, improving trade relations, and fostering partnerships between the private sectors of both countries. The meetings also addressed ways to boost trade exchanges and increase investments while enhancing collaboration between their business communities. Both parties reviewed the progress made regarding the comprehensive economic partnership agreement and outlined practical steps to strengthen trade connectivity and align economic priorities. Opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, logistics, renewable energy, and digital trade were discussed, aligning with the UAE’s strategy to diversify its economy and expand commercial and investment ties with African partners. Through continued cooperation, the UAE aims to strengthen long-term economic ties with key partners, including Gabon.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated, “Our visit to Gabon comes at a time when trade and investment relations are seeing substantial progress following the signing of the comprehensive economic partnership.” He emphasized that the meetings held during the visit, attended by business leaders from both nations, reflect a mutual commitment to broadening trade and investment prospects and a joint determination to enhance cooperation in priority sectors, solidifying trade links for mutual growth. He added that the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the UAE and Gabon supports these efforts by providing a clear framework that facilitates trade and investment flow, reiterating the continuation of collaborative efforts to implement the agreement in alignment with shared economic priorities.
During the visit, Dr. Al Zeyoudi and his accompanying delegation held a series of meetings with Gabonese ministers and senior officials, including Arthur Nguema, Chief of Staff to the President; Thierry Minkoa, Minister of Economy and Finance; Sustène Nguema, Minister of Mines and Geological Resources; Cloître Konga, Minister of Oil and Gas; Philippe Tonangui, Minister of Energy; Pacome Kossi, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development; and Elsa Ayo Ibse Beviogo, Minister of Health. They also met with Marc Alexandre Dombak, Minister of Digital Economy, Digital Transformation, and Innovation.
This visit by Dr. Al Zeyoudi and the accompanying business delegation forms part of the “UAE Trade and Investment Days” initiative, which aims to carry out a series of promotional missions and business meetings in selected global markets under the “UAE Global Trade Hub” program, approved by the Cabinet last November. This initiative is executed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade in partnership with various ministries, federal and local entities, and chambers of commerce. Additionally, the visit is in line with the broader strategy of the UAE to deepen trade ties with rapidly growing African markets and bolster long-term partnerships across the continent.
The joint efforts to elevate trade and investment relations between the UAE and Gabon are founded on solid ground, given the significant trade growth observed in recent years. Non-oil bilateral trade reached $320.7 million in 2025, doubling the figure recorded in 2021. The comprehensive economic partnership agreement is expected to support this trajectory by enhancing access to markets.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening trade and investment links and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, underscoring the importance of continuous dialogue in turning shared priorities into tangible outcomes.
The visiting UAE delegation included representatives from various companies operating in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, health, defense, aviation, maritime transport, and logistics, among others.