The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Sidi Ould Tah, paid an official visit to Libreville on Friday, meeting with Gabonese leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between the pan-African institution and the Central African nation.
The AfDB delegation, led by its president and including Gabon resident representative Nouredine Kane Dia, engaged in high-level discussions focused on assessing the bank’s current portfolio in Gabon and aligning future projects with the government’s development priorities.
Key development priorities: water, energy and agriculture
During the meeting, Gabon outlined its most urgent infrastructure and social needs, with reliable water and electricity supply in Libreville and across the country taking center stage. The agricultural sector was also highlighted as a critical driver to reduce food imports and move toward national food security.
The AfDB confirmed its commitment to funding large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those linked to the Gabonese energy and water utility. One major initiative involves strengthening water supply from the Komo River to meet growing urban and rural demand.
A landmark water program, the Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Libreville (PIAEPAL), received a substantial AfDB investment of 200 million Units of Account—approximately 75 billion CFA francs. This funding supported the modernization and expansion of Libreville’s water network, which had suffered from years of neglect. The project delivered over 310 kilometers of rehabilitated pipelines, installation of 21,000 new water meters, and the construction or refurbishment of key water towers in Ntoum, Bikélé-Nzong, Alénakiri and Sotega.
Challenges and renewed commitment to impactful projects
Despite these investments, President Oligui Nguema acknowledged during a recent state-of-the-nation address that some outcomes fell short of expectations. Still, he emphasized the importance of reinforcing collaboration with the AfDB, stating the government’s intention to refine engagement strategies and prioritize interventions that deliver tangible benefits to the population.
Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to selecting future projects with strong socio-economic impact, closely aligned with national priorities outlined in the country’s development vision under the current administration.
The AfDB remains one of Gabon’s leading multilateral partners, actively supporting projects in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture—sectors vital for sustainable growth and resilience.
