馃嚞馃嚘GabonCentral Africa
Gabon Economic Forum 2026 outlines roadmap for private sector-led national economic recovery
via Gabon Review5 min read
The second edition of the Gabon Economic Forum GEF 2026, organized on June 27 in Libreville by the Federation of Gabonese Enterprises FEG under the patronage of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, concluded with an ambitious roadmap to reposition the private sector as a fundamental driver of national economic recovery. Under the theme "Strong Businesses for Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity," the forum, which gathered business leaders, public officials, and experts, adopted about forty proposals from its eight thematic workshops. These proposals, aimed at moving "from reflection to action," will be submitted to the government. The forum emphasized the need to rebuild a lasting relationship of trust between the state and the private sector. Participants called for greater involvement and inclusion of businesses in public policy definition, the establishment of operational support mechanisms, and increased predictability of economic rules. Key priorities identified include securing VAT refunds, framing tax reforms with impact studies, and ensuring regulatory stability. The GEF 2026 also highlighted public procurement, local content, and investment as central to the development strategy, recommending more effective opening of public markets to national companies, especially SMEs, through digitalization, transparent tenders, and enhanced support for local actors. Participants also advocated for private investment and national savings to become true drivers of economic
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The third graduating class of the Libreville School of Administration of Defense Forces EAFD, named "Bernard Gnamankala," officially completed their training on June 26, 2026. Comprising 25 officers from 10 African countries, this promotion aims to apply their skills to modernize military administrations and enhance security cooperation across the continent. The graduation ceremony, held at Camp de Gaulle in Libreville, emphasized excellence, discipline, and a sense of duty. The class is named in honor of Bernard Gnamankala, former head of the Directorate General of Documentation and Immigration and current Director of the Presidential Communications Interception System. These officers were trained in administration, management, and support for defense forces. Bernard Gnamankala addressed the graduates, stressing that their diplomas represent a significant responsibility to serve with competence, loyalty, and honor, prioritizing collective interest. Colonel Jean-C么me Journ茅, Defense Attach茅 at the French Embassy in Gabon, highlighted the exemplary military cooperation between Gabon and France, built on trust and shared expertise. Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of the Minister of State for National Defense, Major General Sylvain Florient Pangou Mbembo, Secretary General of the Ministry, commended the quality of EAFD's training. He underscored the critical role of administration officers in modern armies, stating they are indispensable for operational effectiveness. The
The 8th edition of the Port-Gentil 10 Km race took place on Sunday, June 28, attracting over 12,000 participants. East African athletes, particularly from Kenya and Ethiopia, showcased their dominance in the main 10 km event. Kenyan Owen Korir Kapkama won the men's 10 km race in 27 minutes 49 seconds, followed by compatriots Brian Kibor and Filex Kibet Masai. In the women's 10 km, Kenya's Loice Chemnung secured victory in 30 minutes 52 seconds, ahead of Ethiopian runners Axumawit Embaye Abraha and Aynalem Desta Gebre. Gabonese athletes, however, achieved significant success in the shorter 4 km race and among amateur participants. The men's 4 km podium was entirely Gabonese, with Philippe Edembe winning in 14 minutes 47 seconds, followed by Kant Emmanuel Edembe and Hervin Edembe. Fortune Maylise Igoumba Nzikou won the women's 4 km race in 18 minutes 20 seconds. Among amateurs, Djessy Mouele Kodo of the Gabonese Athletics Federation retained his title in 31 minutes 54 seconds, despite a delayed start, while Anelka Bekal茅 won the women's amateur category in 43 minutes 06 seconds. S茅bastien Botari, director of the organizing committee, hailed the event as a success, noting the high participation and favorable conditions. He emphasized the event's role as a pillar of Gabonese sport and expressed ambitions to break the 10 km course record in future editions. Port-Gentil Mayor Pascal Houangni Ambouroue highlighted the race's positive impact on the city, promoting sport, attracting f
Marie Joselle Itsana, newly elected president of the Union du peuple gabonais UPG, delivered her inaugural speech on June 25, addressing a direct message to Gabonese authorities. She warned against the decline of public freedoms and called for the guarantee of a democratic space for expression. Itsana emphasized that attachment to peace, stability, and national unity should not justify the progressive shrinking of public freedoms, echoing concerns from opposition political actors who accuse the government of restricting expression. She stated that democratic vitality requires pluralism, where a democracy's strength is measured by its capacity to hear critical voices, accept contradiction, and guarantee citizens the right to express opinions without fear of reprisal. The UPG observes with concern an environment where public criticism is sometimes equated with undermining the state, leading to pressure, intimidation, and legal action against political leaders, trade unionists, and civil society actors. Itsana asserted that no nation strengthens by silencing consciences or grows in fear, and no power is durably enhanced by restricting fundamental freedoms. While acknowledging the state's duty to maintain public order, she believes it must also accept contradictory debate. Itsana affirmed that love for the homeland is measured not by silence, but by the courage to address necessary corrections for the general interest. She assured that the UPG will remain a responsible political