The United Arab Emirates is advancing negotiations with Chad to finalize a comprehensive trade and economic partnership agreement by the end of 2025, marking a significant step in the UAE’s strategy to strengthen its presence across Africa’s fast-growing markets. The planned deal reflects the UAE’s wider push to deepen economic ties with African nations, enhance food and energy security, and expand investment cooperation in sectors critical to both sides.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the proposed agreement will center on boosting bilateral trade, facilitating investment flows, improving market access, and reducing trade barriers. It is expected to cover sectors such as agriculture, livestock, mining, logistics, renewable energy, infrastructure development, and financial services areas where Chad seeks modernization and the UAE holds established global expertise.
Chad, a landlocked country in Central Africa, has been seeking stronger international partnerships to diversify its economy and improve connectivity with global markets. The UAE, through its government entities and sovereign investment vehicles, has already demonstrated significant interest in Africa’s economic transformation, particularly in agriculture, food security projects, and cross-border logistics hubs. A formal trade agreement could provide the foundation needed to scale these initiatives.
For the UAE, concluding the deal by 2025 aligns with its broader trade diversification strategy, which includes expanding the network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). Over the past two years, the UAE has signed multiple CEPAs with Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries. A successful agreement with Chad would mark another milestone in extending this framework to Africa, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s long-term goal of establishing reliable economic corridors across the continent.
Officials say the negotiations will also focus on improving customs cooperation, enhancing investor protection standards, and establishing mechanisms to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The UAE is expected to assist Chad in developing regulatory frameworks that can attract foreign investment and strengthen market confidence, particularly in mining and agricultural supply chains.
Chad’s strategic position in Central Africa makes it an important logistics gateway for regional trade. With upgrades to its road networks, border infrastructure, and emerging industrial zones, the country offers potential opportunities for UAE logistics firms, renewable energy developers, and agribusiness companies. The planned trade deal could unlock partnerships in developing warehouses, cold-chain facilities, and export-focused processing plants.
Another priority for both sides is food security. The UAE has increasingly invested in African agricultural projects to secure steady supplies of grains, livestock, and other essential products. Chad, with its vast arable land and livestock population, could become a valuable partner in this regard. The deal is expected to include provisions that facilitate long-term agricultural investment, water sustainability solutions, and technology transfer to improve crop yields.
Once signed, the agreement could substantially increase trade volumes between the two countries, which remain modest compared to the UAE’s partnerships with other African states. By setting a target to finalize the deal by late 2025, both governments are signaling strong political commitment.
As negotiations progress, the UAE sees the partnership with Chad as a strategic extension of its economic diplomacy in Africa. The proposed deal is expected to support long-term growth, attract private-sector participation, and strengthen the UAE’s role as a major investor and trade partner in the continent.
