Rwanda-UAE Trade Talks Advance as CEPA Negotiations Near Final Stage

Abu Dhabi - Trade negotiations between Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are progressing rapidly, with both countries moving closer to signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). UAE Minister of State for International Trade, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, confirmed the developments during the UAE-Chad Trade and Investment Forum held in Abu Dhabi.

CEPA is the UAE’s flagship trade framework designed to expand global markets for Emirati companies, attract foreign investment, and reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenue. The agreement lowers trade barriers, boosts investment flows, and enhances economic cooperation between partner nations.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi said that the UAE expects to finalize its CEPA with Chad before the end of 2025, followed by Rwanda and Nigeria. Negotiations with Ghana and South Africa are also planned.

"We are in the CEPA negotiations with Chad. We have already finalized the draft agreement and are entering into negotiations on the market. I am very confident that we will conclude before the end of this year," he said.

The minister noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and Chad rose by 32% in 2024 to reach $1.9 billion, underscoring the growing economic ties.

He added that the UAE had “completed almost all the draft agreements with Nigeria” and was “well advanced in the talks with Rwanda.”

Since launching the CEPA program in September 2021, the UAE has signed 28 trade agreements with partners including India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Georgia, Costa Rica, Mauritius, Serbia, Jordan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia. The initiative forms part of the UAE’s strategy to raise its total trade value to $1 trillion by 2031 and double the size of its economy to $800 billion.

Economic ties between Rwanda and the UAE have strengthened significantly in recent years. Bilateral trade is expected to reach $1.1 billion by 2023, driven by the growth of non-oil commerce.

According to the Rwanda Development Board’s 2024 report, the UAE remains the top destination for Rwandan exports. Goods exported to the UAE generated more than $1.4 billion in 2024, up from $951.2 million in 2023-an increase of 63.9%.

With CEPA negotiations now approaching the final stage, officials from both countries say the agreement is poised to unlock new opportunities in trade, logistics, manufacturing, and investment.