UAE-Sierra Leone ink CEPA to boost logistics

The UAE has signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Sierra Leone, a move aimed at boosting trade, logistics links and investment flows, while strengthening the UAE’s economic presence in West Africa. The agreement is expected to support smoother movement of goods, improve supply-chain connectivity and open new opportunities across key sectors.

Sierra Leone is viewed as a growing economy with a strategic location on major Atlantic trade routes. Its deep natural harbour in Freetown and access to regional markets give it strong potential as a logistics and trade gateway in West Africa. The country is also rich in natural resources, including iron ore, bauxite, rutile and diamonds, alongside agricultural exports such as cocoa and fish.

Trade ties between the two countries have been expanding steadily. Non-oil trade reached around US$153 million in 2025, underlining the scope for further growth as tariffs are reduced and trade processes become easier under the CEPA.

Logistics is expected to be one of the main beneficiaries of the agreement, with opportunities across ports, transport, warehousing and supply-chain services. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said the CEPA will help the UAE strengthen its role in global supply chains while opening new trade and investment channels with a promising West African economy.

Beyond goods and logistics, the agreement also creates openings in services such as construction, engineering, healthcare, tourism, financial services and telecommunications, as Sierra Leone’s economy continues to diversify and grow.