Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema begins a three-day state visit to France today, marking his second official trip since assuming office.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Libreville and Paris across key sectors such as investments, infrastructure development, energy transition, industrialization, cultural exchanges, and economic collaboration.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation including business leaders, government officials, and media representatives, the Gabonese head of state is scheduled to meet with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron.

Central to the discussions will be Gabon’s ambition to halt raw manganese exports by 2029. As one of the world’s top producers of this critical mineral, the country seeks to develop a domestic processing industry to capture greater economic value from its resources.

Defense cooperation also features prominently on the agenda. The two leaders are expected to address the renewal of their military partnership and the future of Camp de Gaulle, France’s military base in Libreville. Following France’s strategic reconfiguration of its African military presence, Gabon’s troop numbers have dwindled from around 1,200 to approximately 100 soldiers.