🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabon launches national cassava strategy in Franceville to boost food sovereignty
via Gabon Review4 min read
On April 22, 2026, the Gabonese government initiated a national agricultural strategy in Franceville, Haut-Ogooué, by distributing agricultural equipment to 66 beneficiaries. This initiative aims to establish cassava as a key driver for the country's food sovereignty. The event was presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, Pacôme Kossy, and the Minister of SMEs, Zenaba Gninga Chaning. The project is a collaboration between the Gabonese government and international organizations including the UNDP, UNOSSC, and the IBSA Fund India, Brazil, South Africa, highlighting South-South cooperation. An open call for projects, held from December 10, 2025, to January 4, 2026, received 97 applications, with 66 selected beneficiaries comprising individual producers, cooperatives, production companies, and one SME. Beyond equipment, the program includes technical support and field monitoring by ministry agents, who received training from South African experts. The South African Ambassador, Pamela Nutetela, emphasized gender equality and youth involvement. Minister Kossy outlined a four-pronged strategy: achieving food sovereignty, expanding the approach to other crops like yams, corn, soybeans, and fruits, ensuring balanced development across all provinces, and fostering long-term international cooperation. The UNDP Resident Representative, Rokya Ye Dieng, noted cassava's importance as a staple for over 90% of the Gabonese population, particularly in Haut-Ogooué. Franceville marks the be
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