Starting January 1, 2027, Libreville will prohibit the entry of frozen chicken into the country. The Gabonese government has set an ambitious target: producing 125,000 metric tons of broiler chicken annually by 2028, as outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture. However, achieving this goal hinges on overcoming significant challenges within the next two years.
On June 2, 2026, Pacôme Kossi, Minister of Agriculture, unveiled a 700 billion FCFA initiative aimed at securing the country’s poultry self-sufficiency by the end of 2026. This plan includes halting the annual import of 65,000 tons of frozen chicken, which currently meets Gabon’s total demand, according to FAO estimates. The economic rationale is clear, as noted by economist Louis Ndong: « Boosting local production will ease household food expenses while fostering economic resilience. »
Building a robust poultry ecosystem
Hervais Omva, President of the Zambia-based NGO IDRC AFRICA and poultry sector expert, emphasizes that success depends on developing a fully integrated production chain. « The government has set a bold direction. Now, stakeholders must construct the upstream and downstream infrastructure, » he states. A critical hurdle lies in local production of maize and soybeans—essential feed components accounting for 75% of poultry diets. « Meeting the feed demand will require millions of tons of these crops, » Omva warns. Employment generation is another priority, with automated slaughterhouses capable of processing up to 60,000 birds daily using minimal staff. « To address youth unemployment, the model must align with local realities, » he adds.
Targeting African investors for growth
Gabon is actively courting African investors to drive this agricultural transformation. Following President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s call at the Kigali Summit in May 2026, several continental operators were received at the Presidential Palace on June 9. The government asserts that technical frameworks are already in place, with an investment bank operational. A senior Agriculture Ministry official reveals that « phased deployment of mechanisms will begin immediately. » G.M., a Port-Gentil poultry farmer with a decade of experience managing a 10,000-bird farm, sees opportunity but cautions: « Scaling up requires substantial capital investment. »
Strengthening food security and youth employment
The Covid-19 pandemic and Ukraine war exposed vulnerabilities in import-dependent nations. Gabon now prioritizes domestic production to mitigate such risks. With 54.6% of the population under 26 and youth unemployment rates ranging between 30% and 38% (per UNDP data), the poultry sector’s expansion addresses food security, economic stability, and social equity. Omva’s message to African youth is direct: « Leadership has charted the course. Investors are ready. The time to act is now. »