DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 8th September, 2026 – Sierra Leone’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, has met with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, to advance discussions on economic cooperation and priority investment areas under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The meeting, held in Dubai, comes months after the landmark CEPA signing in Abu Dhabi, witnessed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio. The agreement provides a framework for trade and investment between the two nations, with economic activities projected to exceed $213 billion by 2033.
Minister Sesay expressed appreciation for the UAE’s commitment, noting Sierra Leone’s readiness to begin full implementation of the agreement with emphasis on energy and agriculture. He commended Dr. Al Zeyoudi for his role in securing the CEPA and highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress since its signing.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s interest in strengthening ties, pointing to opportunities in mining, railways, and port development. He assured Sierra Leone of the UAE’s willingness to share expertise and support successful implementation of the agreement.
Earlier, Minister Sesay attended the opening of the 15th AIM Congress at the World Trade Center in Dubai, themed “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.” The event brought together global leaders, including Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie, Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, and UAE Supreme Council Member Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
Minister Sesay was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, underscoring Sierra Leone’s growing diplomatic and economic engagement with the Gulf region.
