UAE-Sierra Leone CEPA targets natural resources: The UAE and Sierra Leone signed a trade and economic partnership agreement (CEPA), state news agency Wam reports. Al Zeyoudi pointed to Sierra Leone’s mineral base and strategic location on the Atlantic coast, with the country being home to Freetown port — a key gateway to West Africa. The agreement looks to increase bilateral trade in minerals, including iron ore and bauxite, as well as agricultural products. Sierra Leone accounts for 14% of global rutile production and also exports diamonds and iron ore.

Why it matters: The UAE has been strengthening its critical minerals partnerships as of late, after joining the US’ Pax Silica, which looks to secure critical minerals supply chains and counter China’s dominance.

Beyond goods trade, the agreement will open the door for collaboration across sectors like logistics, construction, engineering, financial services, and telecommunications. Zeyoudi noted the two sides had inked an MoU to regulate contractual employment for Sierra Leonean workers.

IN OTHER DIPLOMACY NEWS — The UAE signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo yesterday, aiming to slash tariffs, eliminate trade barriers, and open up private sector collaboration in mining, agriculture, and clean energy.

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