The Gabon Economic Forum (GEF) returned for its second edition, bringing together government leaders and international partners to tackle the nation’s economic challenges head-on.
Alain Claude Kouakoua, President of the Gabonese Employers’ Federation (FEG), set the tone during the opening ceremony at the Palais des Congrès. With a clear vision for the future, he declared, ‘My goal is for the FEG to be recognized not just as a defender of businesses, but as a driving force behind their success.’
Kouakoua emphasized that no nation has thrived without a robust private sector, positioning enterprises not as secondary players, but as the heartbeat of economic progress. The forum, he noted, serves as a vital platform to address Gabon’s most pressing economic hurdles.
Vice-President Hugues Alexandre Barro Chambrier echoed this commitment, stressing the government’s resolve to support the private sector. ‘The State will fulfill its obligations to ensure public finances are stabilized, allowing businesses to receive what they are due in a timely manner,’ he affirmed. This pledge underscores a shared ambition: to diversify Gabon’s economy, reducing reliance on raw materials in favor of industrial growth.
The event signals a renewed focus on fostering meaningful dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders, aiming to align strategies with Gabon’s long-term economic vision.