Benin and UAE sign economic partnership accord
The agreement aims to reduce tariffs and facilitate market access for services and investors.
Benin and the United Arab Emirates signed a global economic partnership agreement in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The deal, signed by Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, seeks to ease trade and investment between the two nations.
The accord will reduce or eliminate customs duties on many goods and improve market access for services and investors, though these benefits depend on ratification and the text coming into force. This agreement follows Benin's president's visit to the UAE, announced on October 23.
Bilateral trade in non-oil goods reached $2.15 billion in 2025, a 65% increase from 2024, according to UAE figures. The first half of 2026 saw trade at $1.29 billion, up 37.4% from the same period in 2025. Both countries also committed to cooperation in consular, diplomatic, and digital areas.
Why it mattersBenin and the UAE have signed an economic partnership agreement that will facilitate trade and investment.