Gabon’s ambitious economic strategy, aimed at achieving tangible results, is clearly gaining momentum. The nation is making a significant push to establish itself as a prominent mining and industrial hub across Central Africa by 2030, demonstrating a grand vision for its future. Just over a month after the signing of a crucial strategic agreement with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) for the implementation of the Kobe-Kobe project, the government’s focus remains firmly on enhancing national infrastructure.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to action, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema officially inaugurated the construction of the deep-water port of Kobe-Kobe yesterday, Monday, June 8, 2026, by laying its first stone.
This comprehensive and ambitious undertaking will feature a dedicated mineral terminal, a versatile multi-purpose and mineral quay, an integrated railway loop, a residential zone, extensive cargo storage facilities, and modern administrative offices. Through this transformative project, Gabon underscores its determination to locally process its raw materials, fostering genuine economic sovereignty. This strategic self-reliance is being forged in collaboration with international economic partners from across five continents. Each partner is expected to contribute its expertise, spanning areas such as mining, iron ore, and processing plants, ensuring a cohesive and integrated workflow. “Everyone must contribute and deliver concrete results,” affirmed the head of state.
“Today, we are not merely launching an infrastructure construction site. We are laying the groundwork for a new development paradigm, one rooted in industrialization, the creation of local value, the integration of our territories, and Gabon’s logistical sovereignty. Our ambition is clear: to position Gabon as an indispensable player in regional logistics and a strategic hub within Central Africa. This vision is now taking concrete form,” emphasized Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the Minister of Transport and Merchant Marine.
This initiative stands as one of the world’s five largest mining projects. Philippe Labone, CEO of AGL, indicated that “exports from the Kobe-Kobe port are slated to commence in April 2031.”
Further elaborating on the project, the accompanying railway corridor will span approximately 550 kilometers, efficiently linking production sites to the extensive port complex with an estimated travel time of around eight hours.
While initial studies are already underway, AGL confirmed its commitment to sending young Gabonese citizens for specialized training, ensuring their central involvement in this vital development process.
Quantitatively, the project is anticipated to generate over 100,000 employment opportunities, contribute to an increase of more than 50% in the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and yield an expected annual value exceeding 10 billion dollars.
