Gabon’s bold economic strategy is beginning to deliver tangible results. With the ambitious goal of becoming a leading mining and industrial hub in Central Africa by 2030, the nation is making significant strides. Just weeks after finalizing a landmark agreement with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) to develop the Kobe-Kobe deep-water port project, the government is doubling down on strengthening national infrastructure.
In a decisive move, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema laid the foundation stone for the Kobe-Kobe port construction on Monday, June 8, 2026, signaling the start of a transformative infrastructure initiative.
The project’s scope is expansive, featuring a mineral terminal, a multipurpose and mineral wharf, a railway loop, a residential zone, cargo storage facilities, and commercial offices. By integrating these components, Gabon is taking a decisive step toward local processing of raw materials. This push for economic sovereignty is powered by international partnerships spanning all five continents. Each stakeholder—from mining companies to steel producers and processing plants—plays a critical role in ensuring a cohesive and efficient execution. “Collaboration is key, and every partner must deliver tangible results,” emphasized the Head of State.
“This isn’t just the launch of an infrastructure project. We are laying the groundwork for a new development model—one rooted in industrialization, local value creation, territorial integration, and Gabon’s logistical sovereignty. The ambition is clear: to position Gabon as a regional logistics powerhouse and a strategic hub in Central Africa. Today, that ambition takes a concrete shape,” declared the Minister of Transport and Merchant Marine, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi.
The Kobe-Kobe port is no ordinary project—it ranks among the five largest mining initiatives globally. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Philippe Labone, AGL’s CEO, confirmed that “shipments from the port will commence in April 2031.”
The accompanying railway corridor will stretch nearly 550 km, connecting production sites to the port in approximately eight hours. While preliminary studies are already underway, AGL has pledged to train young Gabonese professionals to play a central role in this historic venture.
The economic impact is staggering: over 100,000 jobs are expected to be created, the GDP is projected to surge by more than 50%, and annual revenue could exceed $10 billion.