Gabon Economic Forum: fostering public-private dialogue for national prosperity

The second edition of the Gabon Economic Forum (GEF) commenced on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès, marking a crucial gathering for national decision-makers and international partners. This significant platform aims to address Gabon’s pressing economic challenges, fostering robust discussions for a prosperous future.

Alain Claude Kouakoua, President of the Fédération des entreprises du Gabon (FEG), articulated a clear vision during the opening ceremony. He expressed his ambition for the FEG to be recognized not only for advocating on behalf of businesses but, more importantly, for empowering them to thrive. Kouakoua, a pragmatic leader, underscored the fundamental truth that no nation achieves development without a strong, vibrant private sector. He firmly asserted that businesses are not merely peripheral players but rather the indispensable engine driving economic progress.

Echoing this collaborative spirit, Hugues Alexandre Barro Chambrier, the Vice-President of the Republic, highlighted the State’s unwavering support and alignment with the private sector. He affirmed the government’s commitment, stating, « The State will fulfill its part to ensure that the ongoing cleanup of public finances facilitates the timely settlement of outstanding dues to private enterprises. »

This resolute declaration underscores a powerful national ambition: to cultivate a diversified economy, significantly less reliant on raw materials, and increasingly oriented towards industrialization. The GEF thus serves as a vital arena for profound dialogue, essential for successfully navigating Gabon’s economic landscape and achieving its ambitious developmental objectives.