Gabon’s economy has struggled to surpass a 5% growth rate over the past decade, but President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is determined to break free from the country’s long-standing reliance on resource extraction. In a landmark announcement, he unveiled a sweeping economic roadmap designed to transform Gabon into a high-growth nation by 2030.

Ending the cycle of resource dependency

President Oligui Nguema has delivered a blunt assessment of Gabon’s economic stagnation: “For too long, our nation has thrived on a rentier model that fails to generate real growth—let alone inclusive prosperity.”

Highlighting the paradox of exporting raw materials like oil and manganese without adding value locally, he declared: “Shipping crude oil abroad is tantamount to exporting jobs.”

Three pillars for a new economic dawn

To shift Gabon’s fortunes, the president has outlined a three-pronged strategy to rebuild the economy on a sustainable foundation:

1. Systematic industrialization through local processing of raw materials.
2. Economic diversification by prioritizing agriculture, livestock, and services.
3. Revitalizing the business climate to attract investment and foster entrepreneurship.

The 2026-2030 National Growth and Development Plan

The president’s vision is anchored in the National Growth and Development Plan (PNCD) 2026-2030, a comprehensive initiative aimed at catapulting Gabon’s growth rate to an unprecedented 6% to 7% annually. The plan zeroes in on key sectors poised for transformation:

• Manganese processing to capture added value before export
• Expansion of poultry and cattle farming to boost food security
• Digital economy development to modernize infrastructure
• Forestry carbon markets to monetize Gabon’s vast green resources

“Gabon possesses immense resources—what it lacked was disciplined governance. We have restored that.” declared President Oligui Nguema, underscoring the link between economic ambition and accountable leadership.

By merging bold policy reforms with a renewed commitment to transparency, Gabon aims to reclaim its place among Africa’s most dynamic economies by the end of the decade.