AfCFTA resumes discussions with Gabon, focusing on industrial strengths
via Gabon Review3 min read
Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA, announced on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the resumption of discussions with Gabon to accelerate the implementation of the continental agreement. During an official visit to Libreville, Mene congratulated Gabonese authorities on their peaceful and successful political transition, which he described as an example of democracy. The AfCFTA believes Gabon possesses significant assets to benefit from the African market, particularly in the timber, agri-food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors. The organization aims to re-engage with Gabon to ensure its private sector fully benefits from the opportunities presented by the continental agreement. Vice President Hermann Immongault received Mene and a delegation, marking a new phase in exchanges between Libreville and the AfCFTA secretariat. The objective is to accelerate the implementation of Gabon's national AfCFTA strategy and better integrate the Gabonese private sector into the continental market. Strategic sectors identified for the continental market include those within the Nkok Special Economic Zone, whose manufactured products could gain broader access to the African market through AfCFTA. Mene highlighted Gabon's considerable potential in pharmaceuticals, automotive component manufacturing, wood processing, agriculture, and agri-food. Immongault reaffirmed that AfCFTA implementation aligns with the President's vision and the National Growth
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