The industrial summit in Libreville has kicked off, bringing together key stakeholders to shape the nation’s economic future. Running until June 26 at the Chamber of Commerce, the event has drawn Gabonese officials, business leaders, and European investors to address critical priorities in industrialization and local value addition.
The discussions center on how European firms can bolster Gabon’s drive for self-sufficiency in production, aligning with the government’s broader vision for economic resilience. With a focus on leveraging the country’s natural resources, the initiative aims to create high-value jobs and foster expertise through strategic investments.
Strategic investments and economic transformation
The French ambassador to Gabon, Fabrice Mauriès, highlighted the return of over 30 European companies—particularly in energy—while stressing the need to enhance Gabon’s appeal amid global competition. Meanwhile, Me Lubin Ntoutoume, Minister of Industry and Local Transformation, underscored the goal of positioning Gabon as a hub for wealth creation, skilled employment, and innovation through resource-based industrialization.
Roadmap to 2030: The National Growth and Development Plan
Vice-President Hermann Immongault framed these ambitions within the National Growth and Development Plan (PNCD) 2026–2030. He emphasized that industrialization, local processing, and economic diversification are the cornerstones of future growth, backed by a projected investment of 27 trillion CFA francs—with 18 trillion earmarked for industrial projects.