Libreville, Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Gabon aims to transform its extraordinary biodiversity into an economic engine. By unveiling its new national sustainable tourism and crafts strategy, the government launches an ambitious project that reaches far beyond the tourism sector.
Behind this roadmap lies a fresh vision for national development, based on valuing natural capital, creating jobs, and diversifying an economy still heavily dependent on extractive resources.
Gathered at the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville, top state officials, technical partners, diplomats, and private sector representatives attended the official presentation of a strategic document set to redefine tourism’s role in Gabon’s economy. In a context where traditional economic models show their limits and ecological transition becomes a global priority, Gabon intends to turn its forests, national parks, culture, and crafts into assets for sustainable growth.
The Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Crafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, set the tone by reminding that tourism is not just an economic activity. According to her, it represents a tool for territorial development, an identity showcase, and a powerful investment lever capable of transforming regions sustainably.
71 projects to shift scale
The government’s ambition rests on a simple observation: despite internationally recognised potential, Gabon’s tourism sector has never fully exploited its advantages. Diagnoses presented during the ceremony highlight institutional, legal, and organisational shortcomings that have for decades hindered the emergence of a genuine tourism industry.
To break with this situation, the strategy envisages implementing 71 priority projects. Investments target particularly the modernisation of infrastructure, improving sector governance, professionalising operators, developing ecotourism circuits, and enhancing historical, cultural, and craft heritage.
The stated objective is clear: significantly increase tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product while preserving the ecological integrity that makes the country unique.
In a continent where many states seek to convert their natural wealth into economic opportunities, Gabon enjoys a rare competitive advantage. More than 88% of its territory is covered by forests. Its national parks are among the most preserved in Africa. Its fauna, flora, and landscapes constitute a world heritage whose economic value remains largely untapped.
An economy that can no longer operate in silos
The success of such a strategy depends on a key factor: coordination of public action.
The Minister of Industry, Lubin Ntoutoume, emphasised strongly that no single ministry can tackle such a challenge alone. Developing tourism necessarily involves the sectors of infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, land planning, and vocational training.
This integrated approach reflects an important evolution in economic governance. Tourism is no longer seen as a peripheral sector. It becomes a catalyst capable of driving multiple industries simultaneously, stimulating private investment, and creating jobs in areas sometimes distant from major urban centres.
Crafts also hold a strategic place in this vision. By promoting local know-how, it helps preserve cultural heritage while generating income for thousands of families.
The moment of truth
The appointment of actress and producer Nelly Obono as the face of the national tourism caravan, along with the commitment of artist Annie Flore to make her song Je t’invite available free of charge to promote the country, demonstrates the will to fully involve cultural actors in this dynamic.
But beyond symbols, the challenge now lies in execution. Vice President of the Republic, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, called on all administrations, local authorities, and economic operators to take ownership of this strategy in order to make it a tangible reality.
The official handover of the strategic document and the immediate announcement of a team tasked with its operationalisation mark the shift from reflection to action.
The third edition of the National Tourism Caravan, scheduled from 17 July to 6 September, will be the first real test of this new policy.
For Gabon, the challenge goes beyond simple tourism development. It is about demonstrating that a nation can turn environmental protection into a driver of prosperity. In a world seeking more sustainable economic models, this strategy could make the country one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for the green economy.
