LIBREVILLE - President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of the Gabonese Republic received Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, alongside an official UAE delegation during a state visit to Libreville. The discussions centered on strengthening commercial and investment ties while translating the economic momentum between the two countries into practical opportunities for their respective business communities.
During the meeting, Dr. Al Zeyoudi relayed greetings from UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. President Nguema returned his warm wishes to the UAE leadership and citizens, highlighting Gabon's dedication to boosting relations in areas of shared focus, particularly within investment and trade sectors.
Reflecting on the partnership, Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated that Gabon serves as an expanding investment and trade ally for the UAE within Africa. He emphasized that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) established in February 2026 provides a structured path to accelerate trade and unlock joint investments in essential sectors.
The commercial ties between the two nations have shown substantial growth. In 2025, non-oil bilateral trade reached USD 320.6 million, more than doubling the figures from 2021. UAE non-oil exports to Gabon rose by 27 percent in 2025 to USD 61.1 million, driven by consumer goods, perfumes, industrial equipment, and petroleum distillates. During the first six months of 2026, non-oil trade stood at USD 141.7 million, with UAE non-oil exports more than doubling to USD 62.7 million compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
The UAE delegation, which included UAE Ambassador to Gabon Jassim Al Qasimi and Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Government Knowledge Exchange Mohammed Rashid bin Tali’a, held discussions with several senior Gabonese ministers. These included Deputy Prime Minister Herman Imonault, as well as the ministers overseeing transport, foreign affairs, trade, water and energy, finance, oil, and public service. The meetings explored collaborative efforts in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, mining, food security, and technology.
Additionally, Dr. Al Zeyoudi attended the inauguration of the SOLEN solar power plant in Aim Plaine alongside Gabonese Vice President Hugues-Alexandre Barrot-Chambrier. The UAE delegation also toured the Nok Private Investment Zone to assess local industrial opportunities.
