Abu Dhabi, 3rd February, 2026 – The United Arab Emirates and Sierra Leone have strengthened their bilateral ties with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), witnessed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2026.
The agreement marks a significant step toward expanding trade, investment, and private sector collaboration between the two nations. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation across key sectors, including artificial intelligence, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, and healthcare. They also discussed prospects for enhanced defense and military cooperation.
President Bio welcomed the UAE’s USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, launched at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last year, highlighting its potential to drive innovation and digital transformation across Africa.
The two leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues, reaffirming their commitment to international law and peaceful conflict resolution. They condemned ongoing atrocities in Sudan, called for accountability, and urged an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a civilian-led government.
On broader international matters, both sides stressed respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, while reiterating support for a peaceful settlement of the dispute over the three UAE islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—through negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice.
Aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme on sustainable water and sanitation, Sierra Leone expressed appreciation for the UAE’s engagement with Africa and welcomed the upcoming UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal later this year. The two countries pledged close cooperation on water security initiatives, including the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform.
Climate action and renewable energy also featured prominently in the discussions. The UAE praised Sierra Leone’s efforts to expand clean energy access, while Sierra Leone acknowledged the UAE’s global leadership in renewable energy, particularly through the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance and commitments made at COP28. Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in improving grid reliability and advancing sustainable energy solutions.
The UAE and Sierra Leone concluded by pledging continued coordination and expressed confidence that their partnership will reach new heights in the years ahead.
