At Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates and Kenya signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at strengthening supply chains, expanding market access throughout the Middle East and Africa, and strengthening trade and investment ties.

His Highness the President The signing was presided over by Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Mohamed hailed the deal as evidence of the UAE's resolve to fortify economic ties throughout Africa and open up new avenues for investors and companies.

According to the UAE President, the CEPA will increase investment and trade while encouraging innovation and long-term growth in important industries like retail, healthcare, financial services, technology, tourism, and agriculture. Additionally, he said that the UAE is eager to strengthen ties with Kenya and broaden its African developmental alliances.

Dr. William Samoei Ruto, the president of Kenya, thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his dedication to enhancing Kenya-UAE relations.

He reaffirmed Kenya's determination to accomplish its objectives for the benefit of both countries and called the CEPA a significant advancement in their economic ties.

Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signed the UAE-Kenya CEPA.

With bilateral non-oil trade reaching $3.1 billion (AED11 billion) in the first nine months of 2024, up 29.1% from the same period in 2023, the new agreement builds on the UAE and Kenya's expanding cooperation.

One of Africa's most promising economies, Kenya's real GDP grew by 5.6% in 2023 and is expected to grow by an average of 5.2% between 2024 and 2026. There is a lot of potential for UAE companies wishing to grow in the region, including the services sector, which makes up 53.6% of Kenya's GDP, and the agriculture sector, which makes up about 25% of the country's GDP.