Libreville — The Gabonese government is embarking on an ambitious journey to convert its exceptional biodiversity into lasting economic prosperity. In unveiling a new national strategy for sustainable tourism and crafts, authorities are launching a transformative initiative that extends far beyond the tourism sector alone.

This blueprint represents a fundamental shift in national development thinking, centered on harnessing natural capital, generating employment, and reducing reliance on extractive industries that have long dominated the economy.

At the official launch ceremony held at the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville, top government officials, technical partners, diplomats, and private sector representatives gathered to witness the unveiling of a strategic document poised to redefine tourism’s role in Gabon’s economy. As traditional economic models falter and global ecological transition accelerates, Gabon aims to position its forests, national parks, culture, and crafts as pillars of sustainable growth.

The Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Crafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, emphasized that tourism is not merely an economic activity but a development tool, a showcase of national identity, and a powerful investment catalyst capable of transforming regions nationwide.

71 priority projects to scale up impact

The government’s ambition stems from a clear diagnosis: despite international recognition of its potential, Gabon’s tourism sector has never fully capitalized on its strengths. Presentations during the ceremony highlighted decades of institutional, legal, and organizational gaps that stifled the emergence of a thriving tourism industry.

To break this pattern, the strategy outlines 71 priority projects targeting infrastructure modernization, sector governance improvements, operator professionalization, ecotourism circuit development, and historical, cultural, and artisanal heritage enhancement.

The stated goal is twofold: significantly boost tourism’s contribution to GDP while preserving the ecological integrity that defines Gabon’s uniqueness. With over 88% of its territory covered by forests and national parks renowned for their preservation, Gabon possesses a rare competitive advantage. Yet this natural wealth remains largely underutilized economically.

Breaking silos for integrated growth

Success hinges on one critical factor: public action coordination. The Minister of Industry, Lubin Ntoutoume, stressed that no single ministry can tackle this challenge alone. Tourism development requires collaboration across infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, urban planning, and vocational training sectors.

This integrated approach marks a significant evolution in economic governance. Tourism is no longer seen as a peripheral sector but as a catalyst capable of stimulating multiple industries simultaneously, attracting private investment, and creating jobs in remote regions.

Crafts play a strategic role in this vision by highlighting local know-how, preserving cultural heritage, and generating income for thousands of families.

The moment of truth

The appointment of actress and producer Nelly Obono as national tourism caravan ambassador and singer Annie Flore’s decision to contribute her song Je t’invite free of charge to promote the country demonstrate the government’s commitment to engaging cultural stakeholders in this initiative.

Yet beyond symbolic gestures, execution remains paramount. Vice President Alexandre Barro Chambrier called on all administrations, local authorities, and business operators to embrace this strategy and transform it into tangible reality. The official handover of the strategic document and the immediate formation of an implementation team signal the shift from planning to action.

The third edition of the National Tourism Caravan, running from July 17 to September 6, will serve as the first major test of this new policy.

For Gabon, this challenge extends beyond tourism development. It represents an opportunity to prove that a nation can turn environmental protection into an engine of prosperity. In a world seeking sustainable economic models, this strategy could position Gabon as one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for green economy innovation.