Gabon’s bold shift toward mining-led economic growth
Facing a steady decline in its oil revenues, Gabon is making a decisive strategic shift toward mining as the new backbone of its economy. Over the past months, the government has unveiled a series of major financial commitments totaling several hundred million dollars to revitalize the mining sector.
Exploration and research activities are now underway across multiple provinces, with ambitious projections positioning Gabon among the world’s top mineral producers by 2030. This pivot reflects a long-term vision to diversify the nation’s economic base and reduce its heavy reliance on hydrocarbons.
New mining projects to fuel economic transformation
Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Gabon’s Minister of Mines, outlined a clear roadmap during a recent briefing. “We have identified and programmed the launch of several mines between 2026 and 2030. Within this window, approximately eight new mining sites are expected to become operational,” he explained. These include iron ore mines in Milingui and Mébaga, a potash mine, gold extraction in Etéké, and additional iron deposits in Baniaka and M’Bilan.
The minister emphasized that these developments will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs while accelerating sectoral growth. “Our current growth stands at 6%, and we aim to push this figure well beyond 15% in the coming years, potentially reaching 20%,” he stated.
Infrastructure and energy: the keys to success
Orphée Mouelé, an economist from the Omar Bongo University, underscored that the mining sector’s success hinges on robust infrastructure and reliable energy supply. “Critical factors include the construction of transport networks—roads, railways, ports, and bridges—to facilitate the efficient movement of minerals. Equally vital is the strengthening of energy production capacities, as energy is the lifeblood of industrial mining,” he noted.
He added that without these foundational investments, even the most promising mineral deposits could remain untapped, limiting the sector’s potential contribution to national development.
Balancing economic ambition with social impact
The Gabonese civil society organization Éthique et Bonne Gouvernance has welcomed the government’s mining strategy but insists on prioritizing tangible social outcomes. Dr. Edmiaune Zouga, the organization’s president, stresses that the real measure of success lies in the daily lives of Gabonese citizens. “Our focus is on social impact. The average Gabonese must feel the benefits of this economic shift. The wealth generated must translate into improved living conditions for all,” she asserts.
In parallel with its push for large-scale mineral extraction, the government is promoting local processing of raw materials. This initiative aims to create additional value and employment within the country, fostering sustainable economic growth and reducing dependency on raw material exports.
