🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabon's President Oligui Nguema and US envoy Ehrhardt strengthen Gabon-US ties
via Gabon Review2 min read
On June 19, in Libreville, Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema met with Christian Ehrhardt, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. The meeting focused on strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Gabon and the United States. During his official visit to Libreville, Ehrhardt discussed the future of bilateral relations with the head of state. Both parties reviewed their cooperation and identified common interests, expressing a shared ambition to deepen their constructive dialogue and revitalize the friendship between the two nations. A key topic was the renewed economic prospects between Libreville and Washington, following Gabon's reintegration into the African Growth and Opportunity Act AGOA. This decision, made by US President Donald Trump, is seen as a strong vote of confidence in the reforms undertaken by Gabonese authorities. According to the Presidential Communication, this reintegration opens new commercial opportunities and acknowledges Gabon's efforts. President Oligui Nguema also presented Gabon's development ambitions, including major projects like the Kobe-Kobé integrated complex, which has attracted international interest. This initiative is considered a driver for sustainable development and economic attractiveness for Gabon. Following the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their partnership, exploring new investment opportunities, and strengthening cooper
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
Libreville and Abidjan are reactivating their sister-city partnership, originally established on July 11, 2000. On June 18, Libreville Mayor Eugène Mba, accompanied by his fifth deputy in charge of urban planning, Thierry Akendengue-Nkolo, met with Paulin Claude Danho, vice-governor of the Autonomous District of Abidjan, during a working visit to Côte d'Ivoire. The meeting aimed to revitalize the dormant partnership, focusing on contemporary challenges faced by local authorities. Discussions centered on updating the legal framework of the partnership and establishing a twinning committee to monitor joint actions. The cities intend to move beyond a purely ceremonial agreement to one of active collaboration. Key areas of focus include e-governance, youth entrepreneurship, water, sanitation, and sustainable waste management. The Gabonese delegation also learned about Abidjan's municipal management solutions, particularly in revenue collection and civil status management. This revival seeks to transform institutional ties into tangible achievements for the populations of both cities, fostering a lasting cooperative dynamic.
Gabon is expanding its ecotourism program from five to eight national parks, as part of its National Growth and Development Plan PNCD. This initiative, presented on June 19, 2026, to the Vice President of the Government, Hermann Immongault, aims to combine biodiversity preservation with wealth creation. The expansion was proposed by philanthropic partners, who support Gabon's goal of making ecotourism a driver for sustainable growth, job creation, and ecosystem protection. The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, explained that while the PNCD initially planned for five pilot parks, partners suggested adding three more. The national parks of Minkébé, Monts de Cristal, and Plateaux Batéké, along with the Wonga-Wongué reserve, are now included in the program. This project, supported by the Rob Walton Foundation and the ICCF group, seeks to build a competitive ecotourism offering while providing concrete benefits, such as jobs and local activities, to surrounding communities. Vice President Immongault emphasized the country's intent to leverage its potential and transform efforts into successes. A representative from the ICCF group affirmed their commitment to helping Gabon develop its national parks, highlighting the potential of Gabon's ecosystems. The Vice President concluded that Gabon aims to be a country that respects its commitments and benefits from its resources to address the needs of its people, positioning its national parks as a motor
Must ReadGabon has taken over the presidency of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education CAMES for a one-year term, following the 43rd ordinary session held in Libreville. The Gabonese Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Charles Edgard Mombo, will lead the institution with a focus on accelerating reforms, strengthening academic excellence, and boosting scientific research across Africa. Key priorities include enhancing quality assurance in higher education institutions, promoting scientific research, improving the international visibility of African academic output, and accelerating digital transformation in the sector. Professor Mombo emphasized a commitment to rigorous follow-up on decisions made by the Council of Ministers to ensure measurable results for universities, faculty, researchers, and students. The outgoing president, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of Guinea, expressed confidence in Gabon's ability to continue ongoing reforms. The session also saw the adoption of several recommendations, including the creation of a virtual CAMES Academy to serve as a digital platform for scientific and academic services. Gabon also plans to focus on academic mobility, scientific cooperation, innovation, university entrepreneurship, and graduate employability to align higher education with development needs. The next ordinary session of the CAMES Council of Ministers is scheduled for 2027 in Yaound