Post by : Maya Rahman

Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, headed a prominent delegation to Senegal, where they met with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. He extended greetings from the UAE leadership, wishing prosperity and progression for the Senegalese nation. Al Zeyoudi engaged in discussions with key governmental officials aimed at fortifying bilateral relations and seeking partnerships in crucial sectors, including renewable energy, food security, and infrastructure.

Accompanied by UAE Ambassador to Senegal, Saeed Hamdan Alnaqbi, Al Zeyoudi underscored the UAE’s dedication to enhancing economic partnerships and fostering collaborations with Senegal and other burgeoning African markets. He consulted with various ministers such as Cheikh Diba (Finance), Sergine Mbaye (Health), Alioune Sall (Communication & Digital Economy), Serigne Guèye Diop (Industry & Trade), Dethie Fall (Infrastructure), and Mabouba Diagne (Agriculture) to discuss potential areas for further investment and cooperation.

The visit culminated in the signing of 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning multiple sectors such as logistics, healthcare, mining, energy, digital technologies, and industrial development, marking a significant expansion in collaborative efforts between the two nations.

In the first three quarters of 2025, non-oil trade between UAE and Senegal surged to $933 million—a 21.1% increase over the previous year. This impressive growth reflects the strong economic bond and the promising investment and business opportunities established between the nations.

Al Zeyoudi stated the UAE's aim is to deepen relationships with Senegal and the wider African continent, focusing on sustainable economic growth and harnessing new potentials. The dialogues also centered on enhancing private sector collaboration aligned with the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that advocates for robust trade and investment with thriving economies worldwide.

The UAE remains committed to reinforcing its involvement in Africa, where non-oil trade in 2024 reached $112 billion, representing a 34% year-over-year increase. As the largest contributor of new FDI into Africa, the UAE's investments exceeded $110 billion from 2019 to 2024. Through these initiatives, the UAE aims to bolster sustainable development and create mutually advantageous investment avenues throughout the continent.

#Global News #Business News