Sierra Leone, UAE to boost economic ties as CEPA implementation moves forward

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Monday, September 7, 2026 – The Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone, met with H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE, in Dubai on Monday, September 7, 2026, for high-level talks to further cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed earlier this year.
The meeting, part of wider engagement during the Minister’s visit to the UAE, focused on concrete steps to implement the CEPA framework agreed in Abu Dhabi and witnessed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sierra Leonean President Dr Julius Maada Bio. The deal opens the door to greater trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. It forecasts a significant rise in commercial activity, with estimates that bilateral economic activity could reach over $213 billion by 2033.
The Minister used the meeting to brief his counterpart on Sierra Leone’s preparations for full implementation of the CEPA and identified priority sectors where his government seeks early engagement. He commended the UAE for brokering the agreement, thanked Dr Al Zeyoudi for taking the time to discuss the issue, and called the meeting further evidence of strong and growing bilateral ties.

The two ministers emphasised that CEPA is a catalyst for deeper cooperation. Sierra Leone has identified energy and agriculture as the main areas for collaboration and investment. Dr Al Zeyoudi said the UAE is ready to help Sierra Leone implement it and promised to leverage UAE expertise to ensure the agreement delivers concrete benefits. He also mentioned specific investment interests such as mining, rail infrastructure, and port development, illustrating the potential level of engagement that could support Sierra Leone’s economic transformation.
The talks show a shared will to move from the CEPA framework to real projects that drive trade, attract investment, and create jobs. Both sides agreed that the UAE’s willingness to cooperate on technical know-how, project development and financing will be an important enabler of successful implementation.
While in Dubai, Minister Sesay also attended the opening of the 15th AIM Congress at the World Trade Centre, which brought together global government and business leaders under the theme “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Toward a Sustainable and Inclusive Future”. The forum also offered additional opportunities to network and position Sierra Leone as a destination of choice for foreign direct investment.
High-profile speakers and delegates, including H.E. Taye Atske Selassie, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda; H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council; and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, were in attendance at the AIM Congress. Minister Sesay was accompanied on the visit by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay.
The Dubai meetings are an active and early stage of CEPA implementation, with both capitals showing a willingness to translate diplomatic consensus into strategic investments and partnerships that could redefine trade ties between Sierra Leone and the UAE.