The UAE signed a Full Economic Partnership Agreement with Benin in a move to strengthen bilateral trade ties. Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi stated: "The UAE expects its newly signed comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with Benin to lift UAE exports to the West African country by more than USD 1 bn by 2033." This agreement formalizes a new economic framework between the two nations, aiming to significantly expand commercial exchange over the coming decade. Officials anticipate the deal will create new opportunities for domestic businesses looking to increase their presence in the West African market. By targeting a specific growth threshold of more than USD 1 bn in exports, the UAE government intends to utilize the agreement to drive long-term trade development.
Trade Growth and Projections
Projections from the UAE government indicate that Benin’s exports to the UAE will increase by more than USD 100 mn by 2033. This anticipated rise aligns with the broader objectives of the economic partnership agreement signed between the two nations. Officials expect that the removal of various trade barriers under the new framework will facilitate this growth in import volume. The target of more than USD 100 mn serves as a key benchmark for evaluating the impact of the deal on market access for Beninese goods. By 2033, the UAE aims to establish a more balanced trade relationship with the West African country through these specific commercial gains.
Tariff Reductions and Market Access
The agreement eliminates or reduces customs duties on approximately 97% of current bilateral trade between the UAE and Benin. This reduction applies to the majority of goods exchanged between the two nations, aiming to lower costs for businesses operating in both jurisdictions. By removing these financial barriers, the framework intends to improve the competitiveness of products in their respective markets. Customs officials in the UAE and Benin will implement these adjustments to facilitate smoother commercial flows and increase the total volume of trade. These changes reflect the core objective of the full economic partnership to streamline regulatory requirements for exporters and importers. Both governments expect these tariff modifications to serve as a foundation for broader economic integration and long-term commercial cooperation.
Historical Non-Oil Trade Trends
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Benin experienced significant fluctuations in recent years, rising from USD 1.01 bn in 2021 to reach USD 2.15 bn in 2025. This total for 2025 represented a 65% increase compared to the trade volume recorded in 2024.
Growth in bilateral commercial exchange has continued into the current year. Data shows that non-oil trade between the two nations reached USD 1.29 bn during the first half of 2026. This figure reflects a 37.4% year-on-year increase for that specific six-month period.
