In a landmark diplomatic move, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made his first-ever state visit to Angola, signaling a deepening of ties between the Gulf nation and Africa. The visit marks a pivotal moment in the UAE’s strategic outreach across the continent, underscoring its commitment to fostering economic partnerships and regional cooperation. During his meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), designed to boost bilateral trade, investment, and collaboration across key sectors.
The CEPA aims to eliminate or reduce customs duties, expand market access for services, and create new opportunities in agriculture, artificial intelligence, and banking. The agreement reflects a shared vision for sustainable development and economic diversification, aligning with Angola’s efforts to attract foreign investment and the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its global economic footprint. In addition to the CEPA, several memoranda of understanding were signed, including agreements between the Central Bank of the UAE and the National Bank of Angola, and between UAE agribusiness firm Al Dahra and Angola’s Ministry of Agriculture.
President Sheikh Mohamed’s visit is part of a broader UAE initiative to engage more deeply with African nations, recognizing the continent’s growing economic potential and strategic importance. The UAE has increasingly positioned itself as a partner in infrastructure development, energy, and technology across Africa, and this visit to Angola reinforces that trajectory. For Angola, the partnership offers access to capital, expertise, and markets that can accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and long-term growth.
The historic nature of the visit, coupled with the signing of transformative agreements, signals a new chapter in UAE-Angola relations. It also reflects a wider shift in global diplomacy, where emerging economies are forging new alliances based on mutual benefit and shared development goals. As both nations look ahead, the foundation laid during this visit could serve as a model for future cooperation between Africa and the Gulf, built on trust, innovation, and economic resilience.