Libreville, Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Gabon is aiming to turn its exceptional biodiversity into an economic driver. By unveiling its new national strategy for sustainable tourism and crafts, the government is launching an ambitious project that goes far beyond the tourism sector.
Behind this roadmap lies a fresh vision for national development, based on valuing natural capital, creating jobs, and diversifying an economy still heavily reliant on extractive resources.
Gathered at the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville, the country’s top 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 are showing their limits and the ecological transition is becoming 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 just an economic activity. In her view, it is a tool for territorial development, an identity showcase, and a powerful investment lever capable of sustainably transforming regions.
71 projects to scale up
The government’s ambition rests on a simple observation. Despite internationally recognised potential, Gabon’s tourism sector has never fully exploited its advantages. The diagnostics presented during the ceremony highlighted institutional, legal, and organisational shortcomings that have hindered the emergence of a true tourism industry for decades.
To break with this situation, the strategy plans the implementation of 71 priority projects. Investments target modernising infrastructure, improving sector governance, professionalising operators, developing ecotourism circuits, and promoting 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.
In a continent where many states seek to convert their natural wealth into economic opportunities, Gabon holds a rare competitive advantage. Over 88% of its territory is covered by forests. Its national parks are among the best preserved in Africa. Its fauna, flora, and landscapes constitute a world heritage whose economic value remains largely untapped.
An economy that can no longer operate in silos
The success of such a strategy, however, depends on a key factor: coordination of public action.
Minister of Industry Lubin Ntoutoume emphasised that no single ministry can meet such a challenge alone. Developing tourism necessarily involves the sectors of infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, regional 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 several 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 promoting local know-how, they help 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, as well as artist Annie Flore’s commitment to provide her song “Je t’invite” free of charge to promote the country, show the desire to fully involve cultural players in this dynamic.
But beyond the symbols, the real challenge now lies in execution. Vice President of the Republic Alexandre Barro Chambrier called on all administrations, local authorities, and economic operators to take ownership of this strategy in order to make it a tangible reality.
The official handover of the strategic document and the immediate announcement of a team tasked with its operationalisation mark the shift from the time of reflection to that of 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 seeking more sustainable economic models, this strategy could well make the country one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for the green economy.
