With the groundbreaking of the Kobé-Kobé deep-water port, Gabon has launched one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in its recent history. Linked to the Belinga iron ore deposit, a new railway, and the future Booué hydroelectric dam, this industrial and logistics complex reflects the government’s push to build an economy less dependent on oil and more focused on local processing of natural resources.
Long reliant on oil revenues, Gabon is now seeking to diversify its growth drivers. In this strategy, the Kobé-Kobé project stands as a cornerstone of the new economic model desired by the authorities. More than just a port, it is a vast industrial ecosystem designed to connect the country’s mineral resources to international markets while maximising local benefits.
Located on the Atlantic coast in Estuaire province, the future deep-water port will have a draught estimated between 14 and 16 metres, enabling it to accommodate very large vessels. This feature is expected to significantly boost Gabon’s logistics competitiveness amid growing rivalry among Central African port facilities.
An integrated project at the core of economic transformation
Kobé-Kobé fits into a complete value chain built around several strategic infrastructures. At the centre stands the Belinga iron ore deposit, considered one of the largest still unexploited worldwide.
To transport the ore to the coast, a new railway line will connect the interior of the country to the future port. Added to this is the Booué hydroelectric dam project, intended to supply the energy needed for the mining and industrial complex. This integrated approach aims to avoid the traditional model of raw material exports by promoting domestic processing.
The strategic agreement signed in April 2026 between the Gabonese state and Africa Global Logistics (AGL) marks a decisive step in realising the project. The stated goal is to create a reference logistics platform capable of supporting the country’s industrialisation.
Up to 160,000 jobs expected
Beyond infrastructure, one of the main stakes is the project’s social and economic impact. According to estimates, the complex could generate up to 160,000 direct and indirect jobs during its development.
This prospect sends a strong signal to Gabonese youth facing employment challenges. Needs will span construction, logistics, industry, rail transport, energy, and maintenance.
For the authorities, the aim is to create a ripple effect across the entire national economy by fostering the emergence of local companies capable of participating in the subcontracting chain.
Materialising an ambition of economic sovereignty
Beyond its economic dimension, Kobé-Kobé also carries strong symbolic weight. The project reflects President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s desire to build an economy more based on the valorisation of national resources and control over strategic infrastructure.
In a context where economic sovereignty is a major issue for African states, the future mining, energy, railway and port complex appears as one of the most concrete illustrations of this ambition. If the announced timelines are met, Kobé-Kobé could, by 2030, become a leading symbol of Gabon’s economic transformation and its entry into the post-oil era.
