The President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, hosted Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in Libreville last Friday. The high-level meeting focused on strengthening ties between Gabon and the AfDB to accelerate development projects across critical sectors.
The AfDB delegation, led by Ould Tah and including Nouredine Kane Dia, the Bank’s Resident Representative in Gabon, reviewed the status of ongoing projects and aligned them with Gabon’s national priorities. These priorities center on expanding access to water and electricity, boosting agricultural production, and reducing food import dependency through local production.
Water and electricity: AfDB commits to infrastructure upgrades
Access to reliable water and electricity remains a top challenge for Gabon, particularly in Libreville. The AfDB is set to support large-scale infrastructure projects in partnership with the Gabonese energy and water utility, Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG). One flagship initiative involves financing water supply projects sourced from the Komo River to improve distribution across the country.
The AfDB has already allocated a $200 million loan (approximately 75 billion FCFA) to the Integrated Program for Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation in Libreville (PIAEPAL). This initiative aimed to modernize and expand Libreville’s water network, which had deteriorated over nearly a decade. Key achievements include:
- Restoration of 310 km of pipelines
- Installation of 21,000 new water meters
- Construction and renovation of water towers in Ntoum, Bikélé-Nzong, Alénakiri, and Sotega
However, in his recent State of the Nation address, President Oligui Nguema acknowledged that PIAEPAL fell short of expectations, signaling a need for more effective execution.
Agriculture takes center stage in economic diversification
The AfDB and Gabonese authorities also discussed agricultural development as a strategic lever to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports. This sector is now a cornerstone of Gabon’s socioeconomic agenda, with the AfDB pledging continued support for projects that align with national goals.
Future collaborations: prioritizing impactful, sustainable projects
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, emphasizing projects with measurable socioeconomic impacts. These efforts will align with the broader national development vision outlined by President Oligui Nguema since taking office.
The AfDB is one of Gabon’s leading multilateral partners, actively funding initiatives in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. The meeting underscored a shared determination to translate policy into tangible progress for the Gabonese people.