Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have moved a step closer to sealing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), following high-level talks, yesterday, held in Dubai, between Foreign Affairs Minister Professor Amon Murwira and His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to conclude the CEPA within the next three months, a development that signals a renewed commitment to expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
Prof. Murwira described the agreement as “a transformative step that will unlock new opportunities for investment, trade and industrial growth.” He added that Zimbabwe stands ready to deepen its engagement with the UAE in ways that “support sustainable development and deliver real benefits to our people.”
The CEPA is expected to establish a structured framework for collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, and infrastructure development. Officials noted that the partnership will play a critical role in enhancing technology transfer, improving value addition, and boosting job creation in Zimbabwe.
For the UAE, the agreement opens access to new markets and strategic resources. Sheikh Shakhboot said the CEPA would “strengthen our shared vision for economic diversification, food security and long-term cooperation.” He emphasised that the relationship between the two nations continues to grow, driven by “mutual respect and shared economic aspirations.”
The proposed agreement aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to increase investment inflows and accelerate national development, while supporting the UAE’s global strategy of expanding economic partnerships across emerging markets.
Both parties expressed confidence that the Zimbabwe–UAE CEPA will promote inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for the citizens of both countries. As Prof. Murwira noted, “This partnership is about building lasting bridges of opportunity between our nations.”
