Libreville, Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Gabon is seeking to convert its extraordinary biodiversity into an economic driver. By unveiling its new national strategy for sustainable tourism and crafts, the government is opening an ambitious project that goes far beyond the tourism sector.
Behind this roadmap lies a fresh vision for national development, based on leveraging natural capital, job creation, and diversifying an economy still heavily reliant on extractive resources.
Gathered at the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville, top state officials, technical partners, diplomats, and private-sector representatives attended the official presentation of a strategic document set to redefine tourism’s role in Gabon’s economy. In a context where traditional economic models show their limits and the ecological transition becomes a global priority, Gabon intends to turn its forests, national parks, culture, and crafts into assets for sustainable growth.
The Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Crafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, set the tone by stressing that tourism is not merely an economic activity. According to her, it represents a tool for territorial development, an identity showcase, and a powerful investment lever capable of transforming regions in a lasting way.
71 projects to change scale
The government’s ambition rests on a simple observation. Despite internationally recognised potential, Gabon’s tourism sector has never fully exploited its advantages. Assessments presented at the ceremony highlighted institutional, legal, and organisational shortcomings that have for decades hindered the emergence of a true tourism industry.
To break this pattern, the strategy plans to implement 71 priority projects. Investments target notably infrastructure modernisation, better sector governance, professionalisation of operators, development of ecotourism circuits, and promotion of historical, cultural, and craft heritage.
The stated objective is clear: significantly increase tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product while preserving the ecological integrity that makes the country unique.
On a continent where many states seek to convert natural wealth into economic opportunities, Gabon holds a rare competitive advantage. More than 88% of its territory is covered by forests. Its national parks are among Africa’s most preserved. Its fauna, flora, and landscapes constitute a global heritage whose economic value remains largely underestimated.
An economy that can no longer work in silos
The success of such a strategy, however, depends on a decisive factor: coordination of public action.
The Minister of Industry, Lubin Ntoutoume, strongly emphasised that no single ministry can meet such a challenge alone. Developing tourism necessarily involves infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, spatial planning, and vocational training.
This integrated approach reflects an important shift in economic governance. Tourism is no longer seen as a peripheral sector. It becomes a catalyst capable of driving multiple industries simultaneously, stimulating private investment, and creating jobs in areas sometimes far from major urban centres.
Crafts also occupy a strategic place in this vision. By valuing local know-how, it helps preserve cultural heritage while generating income for thousands of families.
The moment of truth
The appointment of actress and producer Nelly Obono as the face of the national tourism caravan, along with artist Annie Flore’s commitment to make her song “Je t’invite” available free of charge for the country’s promotion, demonstrate the desire to fully involve cultural actors in this momentum.
But beyond symbols, the real challenge now lies in execution. The Vice President of the Republic, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, called on all administrations, local authorities, and economic operators to embrace this strategy to turn it into a tangible reality.
The official handover of the strategic document and the immediate announcement of a team tasked with operationalising it mark the transition from reflection to action.
The third edition of the National Tourism Caravan, scheduled from 17 July to 6 September, will be the first real test of this new policy.
For Gabon, the challenge goes beyond simple tourism development. It is about demonstrating that a nation can turn environmental protection into a driver of prosperity. In a world searching for more sustainable economic models, this strategy could well make the country one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for the green economy.
