The UAE and the Democratic Republic of Congo have officially implemented their Economic Partnership Agreement, eliminating duties on nearly all traded goods while streamlining cross-border customs processes.
Effective October 30, the deal seeks to boost two-way commerce and investment, particularly in transportation networks, energy production, and industrial manufacturing.
Under the agreement, both countries will standardize customs regulations and eliminate redundant trade obstacles, opening fresh prospects for businesses exporting to and investing in each other’s economies.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ranks among Africa’s top ten economies, with a gross domestic product of $122.28 billion and an annual economic expansion rate of 5.2%.
Sharing borders with nine nations, the DRC provides gateway access to markets spanning Central and Eastern Africa while serving as a critical source of minerals essential for industrial production and clean energy technologies.
As the world’s largest cobalt supplier, contributing over 70% of global output, the country also leads Africa in copper production. Additional key mineral resources include gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten.
The UAE primarily supplies vehicles, industrial equipment, electronics, and building materials to the DRC, while acting as a distribution hub for Congolese exports such as metals, food products, cotton, and other farm-based goods.
UAE strengthens African trade ties
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade for the UAE, emphasized that the agreement expands market opportunities for Emirati companies across Africa.
“This partnership with the DRC marks a key milestone in our economic diversification plans, granting us deeper ties to a nation with ambitious development initiatives, and broader regional prospects for our businesses, investors, and industrial sectors.”
The agreement represents one component of the UAE’s broader initiative to forge stronger commercial alliances worldwide. Currently, the UAE has finalized such pacts with 40 nations, with 20 already active.
Analysts note the deal establishes a solid framework for expanded trade and investment between the two countries, reinforcing its strategic importance to the UAE’s economic development priorities.
