
Société gabonaise de raffinage Sogara has awarded Technip Energies two front-end engineering design FEED contracts to modernize its Port-Gentil refinery. The contracts aim to optimize existing infrastructure and develop new industrial capabilities to significantly increase refining capacity. The first contract focuses on debottlenecking current units, improving performance through the integration of a new kerosene sweetening unit and the creation of four additional storage capacities. This optimization will streamline operations and increase crude oil processing volumes. The second project involves the design of a modularized hydrocracking complex. This infrastructure will enable the refinery to substantially increase its production of higher value-added products while improving crude conversion. It also includes the construction of a new marine jetty and unloading facilities to strengthen supply logistics. These projects will allow Sogara to sustainably increase its capacities, currently limited to approximately one million tons of crude processed per year, despite a potential estimated at 1.2 million tons. The goal is to improve the industrial performance of a strategic asset for the Gabonese economy, which has faced declining volumes and financial pressures in recent years. Technip Energies will utilize its expertise in process integration, including its steam methane reforming SMR technology for hydrogen production, essential for hydrocracking units. Both projects are des
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After months of speculation and delays, the Gabonese Football Federation Fegafoot officially announced on Wednesday, July 15, the appointment of French coach Sébastien Migné as the new coach of the Gabon Panthers. The 54-year-old former Haiti coach brings extensive experience in African football, having coached several national teams and clubs on the continent. Fegafoot stated that the announcement was postponed to respect Migné's contractual obligations with the Haitian national team, from which he was officially released by mutual agreement after the World Cup. Fegafoot President Pierre-Alain Mounguengui is scheduled to present the details of this choice at a press conference today in Owendo. Migné's career includes working with prominent French football figures, and coaching national teams such as Congo, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, and Cameroon, before leading Haiti in March 2024. Fegafoot emphasized Migné's high-level experience and deep knowledge of African football as key factors in his selection, aiming to revitalize the national team and help them qualify for major continental and international competitions.

Gabon has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence in the Middle East. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Libreville strongly condemned the ongoing escalation, called for an immediate ceasefire from all parties, and reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. The Gabonese authorities noted with regret the deteriorating security situation in the region, condemning the escalation of violence that endangers civilian lives and undermines peace efforts. The government urged all parties to prioritize de-escalation, restraint, and dialogue, recognizing the significant risks to regional stability. Gabon's stance aligns with calls from various states and international organizations for a cessation of hostilities and a resumption of diplomatic discussions. Libreville reiterated its support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering lasting de-escalation and restoring peace in the region.

Gabonese fintech E-Doley Finance announced on July 11 that it has appealed the June 25 decision by the Paris Judicial Court. The company refutes BGFIBank's interpretation of the judgment, which the bank had welcomed on July 6, stating that "the case is not over." E-Doley Finance questions who truly created BGFI Mobile, arguing that the court did not compare software, nor did it state that BGFI Mobile was the bank's creation. The fintech claims the bank benefited from an incomplete demonstration on two technical points, not a contrary demonstration. The Paris Court of Appeal will re-examine the entire case. E-Doley Finance also highlights that the Court of Appeal noted in 2020 that its e-Doley Cash solution was conceived before any relationship with the banking group. The company points to two judicial expert reports that found up to 100% similarity between components of the two solutions, stating their 2021 annulment was not based on content but on documents the fintech alleges were fabricated. E-Doley Finance also challenges the bank's explanations for BGFI Mobile's origin, noting that one designated service provider does not exist in any commercial registry and another was created after the alleged events. The fintech states that despite repeated summons, BGFIBank has not produced contractual and technical documents to establish the facts. E-Doley Finance emphasizes that the dispute continues in three countries: Paris for counterfeiting, and Libreville and Abidjan for comme