The Gabonese government is making a bold strategic shift to reduce its economic dependence on oil. With declining petroleum revenues, officials are betting heavily on the mining sector to drive future growth. Recent months have seen a flurry of investment commitments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, along with accelerated exploration and research operations across multiple provinces.
By 2030, Gabon aims to position itself among the world’s leading mineral producers. This ambitious goal is supported by a comprehensive development plan that includes the launch of eight major mining projects within the next six years. Among these initiatives are iron mines in Milingui and Mébaga, a potash operation, gold mining in Etéké, and iron extraction sites in Baniaka and M’Bilan.
Government’s vision for economic transformation
Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Gabon’s Minister of Mines, has been spearheading this transition since taking office seven months ago. He reports tangible progress in positioning mining as the new engine of Gabon’s economy, which has long relied heavily on oil revenues. «We have identified and programmed the opening of several mines between 2026 and 2030. In this timeframe, we have identified approximately eight mines that will become operational,» the minister explained.
The mining sector is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while boosting the country’s economic growth. «Currently, we stand at 6% sector growth, but we are targeting to increase this to 15-20% in the coming months and years,» Minister Nguema Nguema noted.
Infrastructure: the critical foundation
Orphée Mouelé, an economist trained at the Université Omar Bongo, emphasizes that the sector’s success hinges on robust infrastructure development. «Technical success depends on several essential factors: the construction of transport infrastructure—roads, railways, ports, and bridges—to properly transport minerals. Additionally, strengthening energy production capacity is fundamental, as energy is the backbone of this industry,» he stated.
The government’s strategy includes not only expanding raw material extraction but also developing local processing capabilities to create more value within Gabon. This dual approach aims to maximize economic benefits and employment opportunities for Gabonese citizens.
Balancing economic growth with social impact
While the Gabonese government’s mining ambitions have been welcomed, civil society organizations are calling for tangible social benefits. Dr. Edmiaune Zouga, President of the Ethics and Good Governance NGO, stresses the importance of ensuring these developments improve the lives of ordinary citizens. «What matters most to us is the social impact. It must benefit the average Gabonese citizen. The Gabonese people must feel this economic impact in their daily lives,» she asserted.
The government’s mining strategy represents a significant shift in Gabon’s economic trajectory, moving beyond its traditional reliance on oil toward a more diversified and sustainable economic model based on mineral wealth.
