During the 2nd Gabon-China Economic Forum, which began on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Beijing (China), the Minister of Mines, Gilles Nembe, took the opportunity to highlight Gabon’s strengths in the mining sector. Following discussions between the two parties, agreements on the mobilization of more than $4.3 billion in favor of Gabon were concluded with the Chinese private sector.
On the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Beijing hosted the 2nd Gabon-China Economic Forum on September 3, 2024. Held under the high patronage of Brigadier General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese transition, this forum was a turning point in economic relations between the two nations.
Under the evocative theme “ A New Economic Partnership ,” the event brought together over a thousand Gabonese and Chinese entrepreneurs and business leaders. The initiative, a collaboration between several Gabonese ministries, the Gabonese Embassy in China, and the National Agency for the Promotion of Investments of Gabon (ANPI-Gabon), offered a unique platform to explore investment opportunities in various strategic sectors.
At the heart of the discussions, six thematic round tables provided an opportunity to address in depth the investment potential in key areas such as mining, infrastructure, hydrocarbons, energy, forests, agriculture and digital technology. The Minister of Mines, Gilles Nembe, took this opportunity to highlight Gabon’s considerable assets in the mining sector.
The negotiations resulted in concrete and promising results. Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Foresight, announced on the occasion: ” The Gabon-China Forum has made it possible to mobilize more than USD 4.3 billion in private investment, mainly for large-scale projects such as the construction of the Booué hydroelectric dam (600 MW), as well as the development of a modern city in Gabon and the exploration of iron ore in the Mbilan Mountains in Woleu Ntem .” He also revealed the interest shown by several Chinese state-owned enterprises for structuring projects worth USD 12.35 billion, including the construction of the Belinga-Mayumba railway, the port of Mayumba and the development of 3,000 kilometers of asphalt roads.
Also present, Mays Mouissi, Minister of Economy and Investments, stressed the strategic importance of these agreements: ” These initiatives will not only attract foreign capital, but also create an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable growth in Gabon .” This vision is part of a broader strategy aimed at diversifying the Gabonese economy and stimulating its long-term development.
ANPI-Gabon, represented by its Director General Ghislain Moandza Mboma, played a crucial role in promoting investment opportunities. Mr. Mboma highlighted “ the central role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which effectively deploys Gabon’s intense economic diplomacy, with the operational support of ANPI-Gabon ,” thus highlighting the Gabonese government’s coordinated approach to attracting foreign investment.
The Gabon-China Economic Forum 2024 undeniably marks a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Beyond the agreements signed, it has helped to consolidate the visibility of the ” Invest in Gabon ” brand on the international scene and to lay the foundations for enhanced and mutually beneficial economic cooperation between Gabon and China.
As Gabon resolutely embarks on the path of economic diversification and sustainable development, this strategic partnership with China opens up new promising prospects for the country’s economic future.
