Gabon seeks European backing to boost industrial growth
The Gabonese industrial summit kicked off on Tuesday in Libreville, with Vice-President of the Government, Hermann Immongault, in attendance. Running until June 26 at the Chamber of Commerce, the event brings together Gabonese officials, business leaders, and European partners to address industrialization and local value addition challenges.
The discussions center on how European firms can support Gabon’s push for production sovereignty, aligning with initiatives to leverage the country’s natural resources.
Key sector spotlight: energy
The French Ambassador to Gabon, Fabrice Mauriès, highlighted the return of over thirty European businesses—particularly in energy—while stressing the need to enhance Gabon’s appeal amid stiff global competition.
Minister of Industry and Local Transformation, Me Lubin Ntoutoume, reiterated the nation’s goal: transforming Gabon into a hub for wealth creation, skilled employment, and expertise through the processing of its natural riches.
For Vice-President Immongault, this vision is embodied in the National Plan for Growth and Development (PNCD).
“This strategy now takes concrete form in the PNCD 2026–2030, positioning industrialization, local transformation, and economic diversification as the driving forces behind future growth. The plan earmarks 27 trillion CFA francs in investments, with 18 trillion specifically allocated to industrial projects.”
