Prometal Gabon launches 38 billion CFA franc steel plant in Nkok Special Economic Zone
via Gabon Review3 min read
Prometal Gabon has laid the first stone for its new steel plant in the Nkok Special Economic Zone, a project representing a 38 billion CFA franc investment. The ceremony on July 1 was attended by the Minister of Industry and Local Transformation, Lubin Ntoutoume, alongside Ghislain Moandza Mboma, Director General of ANPI-Gabon, and Ali Karaki, Director General of Prometal Gabon. The plant, a partnership between the Gabonese state and Prometal Group, is expected to create 350 direct jobs and nearly 1,000 indirect jobs over its 24-month construction period. It aims to strengthen local steel transformation and Gabon's industrialization, aligning with the national strategy to diversify the economy and reduce import dependence. The facility will produce up to 60,000 tons of rebar annually, along with tubes, merchant iron, roofing sheets, and nails. Prometal's Director General, Ali Karaki, stated that the plant is projected to generate over 12 billion CFA francs in annual tax revenue and will supply both national and sub-regional markets. The project, which will consume an estimated 10 megawatts of energy during its operational phase, is seen by Gabonese authorities as a step towards a more industrial, sovereign, and prosperous Gabon. A second phase is planned to integrate iron ore processing, allowing Gabon to control the entire steel value chain, in line with the National Growth and Development Plan 2026-2030 and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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