Gabon aims to boost economy through mining sector expansion
Gabon aims to boost economy through mining sector expansion
Facing a decline in its oil output, Gabon is now banking on a strategic shift toward mining to revitalize its economy. In recent months, authorities have unveiled ambitious investment plans, while exploration activities continue across multiple provinces to unlock the country’s mineral potential.
With oil revenues dwindling, the Gabonese government has identified mining as a key pillar for economic diversification. The Ministry of Mines has outlined a roadmap that includes the launch of nearly eight new mines by 2030, focusing on iron ore, gold, and potash extraction.
Investments set to create jobs and drive growth
According to Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Minister of Mines, these projects are expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly increase the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy. Currently accounting for about 6% of GDP, officials project this share could rise to 15-20% in the coming years as production scales up.
Infrastructure and energy: The critical building blocks
Economist Orphée Mouelé, an expert trained at the Omar Bongo University, emphasizes that the success of these mining ventures hinges on robust infrastructure. Upgrading roads, railways, ports, and bridges will be essential to facilitate the transport of minerals from inland sites to processing facilities and export hubs.
The energy challenge cannot be overlooked either. Reliable electricity supply is vital for both mining operations and the development of downstream industries that could add value to raw materials. Without sufficient power infrastructure, even the most promising mining projects may struggle to reach their full potential.
Balancing economic benefits with community impact
The Gabonese chapter of the NGO Éthique et Bonne Gouvernance has welcomed the government’s mining ambitions. However, its president, Edmiaune Zouga, stresses the importance of ensuring these resources translate into tangible improvements for local communities. She advocates for transparent revenue management to uplift living standards and create shared prosperity across the country.
As Gabon accelerates its mining ambitions, the coming years will reveal whether this sector can indeed become the engine of economic transformation that policymakers envision.
