BOLDEN African News · Friday 30 October 2026
UAE and DRC economic partnership agreement enters into force
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of the Congo entered into force on 30 October 2026. It removes tariffs across most product lines, harmonises customs procedures and sets a framework for investment, with logistics, energy and manufacturing as priority sectors. Non-oil bilateral trade reached US$3.5 billion in 2025, up 38.5%.
Why it matters
Lower tariffs and simpler customs could reduce costs for Congolese metal and agricultural exporters and for importers of vehicles, machinery and construction materials.
Source: FurtherAfrica · 30 October 2026