The second annual Gabon Economic Forum (GEF), convened at the prestigious Palais des Congrès on Saturday, June 27, 2026, commenced with a resolute declaration from Alain Claude Kouakoua, President of the Fédération des entreprises du Gabon (FEG). He articulated his profound aspiration: « My vision is for the FEG to be recognized not merely for defending businesses, but fundamentally for ensuring their prosperity. »
This pivotal gathering brought together influential decision-makers and international partners, establishing itself as a crucial platform dedicated to addressing Gabon’s pressing economic challenges and charting a course for robust national development.
Speaking with a pragmatic tone, the FEG President underscored a fundamental truth: no nation can achieve substantial progress without a foundation of strong, vibrant enterprises. He emphasized that businesses are not peripheral players but, in fact, the very engine driving sustainable economic advancement within the African economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Hugues Alexandre Barro Chambrier, the Vice-President of the Republic, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment and support for the private sector. He stated, « The State will fulfill its responsibilities, ensuring that the ongoing public finance cleanup facilitates the timely settlement of dues owed to private enterprises. » This commitment is vital for fostering trust and stability.
This compelling address articulated a powerful national ambition: to construct a diversified economy, one significantly less reliant on raw material exports and increasingly geared towards comprehensive industrialization. This strategic shift is central to Gabon’s long-term economic vision.
In essence, the GEF serves as a vital arena for robust public-private dialogue, essential for successfully navigating Gabon’s complex economic imperatives and achieving its ambitious national objectives for growth and diversification.
