馃嚞馃嚘GabonCentral Africa
Gabon seeks European investment for local industrial transformation
via Gabon Review3 min read
The Industry Meetings in Gabon commenced on June 23 in Libreville, focusing on local transformation and economic sovereignty. For four days, Gabonese authorities, industrialists, and European partners are discussing investment opportunities in Gabon, which aims to make industrialization a primary driver of its growth by 2030. The Vice President of the Government, Hermann Immongault, officially opened the event at the Libreville Chamber of Commerce. The meetings gather key industrial sector players, government representatives, economic operators, and European and French partners to discuss the country's industrial development prospects. A central theme is the role European companies, particularly French ones, could play in Gabon's strategy for local processing of natural resources. The Ambassador of France to Gabon, Fabrice Mauri猫s, highlighted the growing interest of European companies in the Gabonese market, acknowledging intense international competition. He noted the return of 30 European energy companies to Gabon. These meetings include B2B exchanges to foster partnerships between European investors and Gabonese operators in strategic sectors. The Minister of Industry and Local Transformation, Me Lubin Ntoutoume, stated that this initiative aligns with the new economic direction set by Gabonese authorities, aiming to transform Gabon from a raw material exporter to a country that creates wealth, skilled jobs, and industrial expertise. The government is focusing on wood, mi
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Must ReadGabon's Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources announced on June 23 the provisional suspension of small-scale gold exploration and mining activities across the country. This decision follows growing concerns over clandestine gold exploitation, particularly after a joint operation with the Ministry of National Defense dismantled a large illegal gold mining network in Ngouni茅 province. The provisional suspension aims to regain control of a sector weakened by illegal operations and trafficking. Major General Adolphe Yonghan, Secretary General of the Ministry of Mines, explained that investigations revealed irregular and clandestine mining activities, including those involving foreign nationals, violating Gabonese laws and regulations. These practices have led to serious breaches of public order, environmental damage, depletion of national resources, and harm to the state's economic interests. Recently, 55 individuals were arrested in connection with illegal gold exploitation and trafficking. The suspension will allow for an exhaustive audit of existing mining titles, verification of permit holders' compliance, and strengthening of control and surveillance mechanisms at mining sites. During this period, no small-scale prospecting, exploration, or exploitation activities can occur without express authorization from the Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources. Competent services, in collaboration with defense and security forces, are tasked with ensuring compliance to promot
Must ReadOn June 22, the Gabonese Senate reviewed a bill to regulate social networks and digital platforms, aiming to require major digital platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and X to appoint a legal representative in Gabon or within the CEMAC region. The Minister of Communication and Media, Germain Biahodjow, presented the draft law, emphasizing the need to modernize digital governance and strengthen the state's legal sovereignty in the digital space. This initiative comes amid challenges with bypassing access restrictions via VPNs and difficulties connecting to certain platforms following suspensions. The proposed measure seeks to address a situation where some platforms have evaded local judicial requisitions due to a lack of legal interlocutors in the country. According to Germain Biahodjow, the text is crucial for better protecting citizens, youth, and institutions in an increasingly difficult-to-control digital environment. The bill also aims to enhance content and usage regulation, given the growing influence of social networks in public discourse. Discussions in the Senate commission highlighted concerns regarding human rights, particularly freedom of expression and information, the protection of minors from online content, and the role of small and medium-sized enterprises that heavily rely on social media for visibility and economic growth. The examination of the bill is ongoing.
Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema received a message from Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani on Monday, June 22, 2026. The message was delivered by Messouda Bahama Mohamed Laghdaf, Mauritania's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development. The purpose of the visit was to officially present Mauritania's candidacy for the post of Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie OIF, with Nouakchott hoping to secure Libreville's support. This diplomatic effort follows Gabon's withdrawal of its own candidate, diplomat Roll St茅phane Ngomat, for the same position a few weeks prior. Mauritania's candidate is Dr. Coumba B芒, currently an advisor to the Mauritanian president and special envoy to the organization. Her candidacy focuses on three priorities: coherence, balance, and the utility of La Francophonie for the direct benefit of member states. The election for the next OIF Secretary General is scheduled for the Francophonie Summit in November in Cambodia. The discussions also reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Mauritania emphasizing a relationship based on solidarity, mutual respect, and ongoing consultation on common interests. President Oligui Nguema reiterated his commitment to dialogue, consensus, and concerted governance, principles that the Gabonese presidency presents as the foundations of Gabon's diplomatic action.