Bilateral trade agreements signed by member states of ECOWAS play an important role in strengthening economic cooperation and expanding trade opportunities within and beyond the region. These agreements enable countries to address specific trade priorities, enhance market access, and promote investment and sectoral collaboration with key partners. By complementing regional integration initiatives, bilateral arrangements contribute to a more dynamic and interconnected trading environment, supporting the broader objectives of ECOWAS to foster economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainable development across West Africa
European Union (EU)
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
The UAE has become a major trade and investment partner for Africa, driven by its strategic interests in logistics, energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure. Several African countries have signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with the UAE, signalling a shift toward deeper bilateral economic integration.
The UAE signed its first bilateral trade agreement in February 2022 and aims to deepen ties with strategic partners around the world. The latest to join the list of partners are Nigeria and Sierra Leone, which signed their CEPAs on 13 January 2026 and 2 February 2026, respectively.
The CEPAs are meant to expand markets access opportunities, while facilitating investment flows through the lowering or eliminating tariffs, simpler customs procedures, clear and transparent rules etc.
