Olam Palm Gabon faces potential Makouké site closure after elephant destruction of 5,000 hectares of palm groves
via Gabon Review2 min read
Olam Palm Gabon is considering closing its Makouké site due to extensive destruction of its palm plantations by elephants. Approximately 5,000 hectares of palm groves have been destroyed in Makouké, leading to a significant reduction in the company's activities and raising concerns about job losses and economic hardship in the Moyen-Ogooué region. The local deputy, Rolf Mavitsi Nziengui, highlighted the alarming unemployment situation and urged discussions with Olam to prevent a complete cessation of operations. Similar destruction, reportedly affecting 10,000 hectares, has also occurred in the Ngounié province. Olam has begun installing electric fences to deter elephants. The Minister of Agriculture, Pacôme Kossy, acknowledged the severity of the issue, emphasizing the need for solutions that protect agricultural operations without compromising the elephant's protected status in Gabon. The increased elephant population, a result of protection policies, is contributing to human-wildlife conflict, impacting both small and large agricultural producers. The future of the Makouké site remains uncertain, and its closure would have severe economic and social consequences for the region.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
Gabon's National Civil Aviation Agency ANAC initiated a technical assistance mission on June 22, 2026, in Libreville, to identify weaknesses and define corrective measures within its national air safety system. This strategic exercise aims to enhance the country's performance and credibility in the aeronautical sector ahead of the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO audit. The mission, requested by Gabon from ICAO's West and Central African WACAF Regional Office, was officially opened by ANAC Director General, Major General Éric Tristan Franck Moussavou. It serves as a major preparatory step before the ICAO USOAP-CMA audit, which evaluates the effectiveness of national air safety oversight systems. Gabon's previous evaluation was in 2019. Over several weeks, ICAO experts will examine key pillars of Gabon's system, including the legislative framework, civil aviation authority organization, aircraft technical operations, airworthiness, licensing, air navigation services, aerodrome management, accident investigations, and the national safety program. Certification activities, surveillance, and safety issue resolution will also be analyzed. Moussavou emphasized the need for transparency and sincerity in this evaluation, stating its purpose is to establish an objective diagnosis to identify shortcomings and define necessary corrective measures. He noted the support of state authorities, including President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and urged collaboration w
Must ReadGabon's High Council for Investment HCI submitted its general report to the government on June 22, 2026, outlining priorities for an ambitious reform of the business environment. The report, presented to Vice President of the Government Hermann Immongault by Minister Delegate for the Budget Marc Abeghe and President of the Federation of Gabonese Enterprises FEG Alain-Claude Kouakoua, contains recommendations from state and private sector representatives. These recommendations, covering taxation, public procurement, governance, and logistics, aim to create a more attractive framework for investors and enable the private sector to finance two-thirds of the National Growth and Development Plan PNCD. The report, resulting from consultations that began on June 4 in Libreville, is intended to guide future legislative and regulatory texts. The goal is to quickly implement these proposals into concrete reforms to strengthen Gabon's economic appeal. This initiative seeks to enable the private sector to contribute nearly 18 trillion CFA francs, approximately two-thirds of the 26 trillion CFA francs required for the PNCD. Key recommendations from working groups, involving over 1,100 participants, include accelerating the promulgation of the new Investment Code, establishing mixed control brigades to reduce administrative burdens, and ensuring continuous operation of port and airport corridors. Discussions also highlighted the need for stronger public governance, proposing recruitment of
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.