Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has embarked on a three-day state visit to France, marking his second official trip abroad since assuming office. The visit aims to deepen strategic cooperation between Libreville and Paris across key sectors, including investment, infrastructure, energy transition, industrialization, culture, and economic exchanges.

Accompanied by a high-profile delegation comprising business leaders, government officials, and journalists, the Gabonese head of state is scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

A central focus of the discussions will be the local processing of manganese, a mineral for which Gabon ranks among the world’s top producers. Libreville has set a 2029 deadline to halt raw ore exports, aiming to develop a domestic processing industry and generate greater added value.

Defense cooperation will also feature prominently on the agenda, with both leaders expected to address the renewal of their military partnership and the future of Camp De Gaulle, France’s military base in Libreville. As part of France’s broader reorganization of its military presence in Africa, its troop levels in Gabon have been significantly reduced—from roughly 1,200 soldiers to fewer than 100 today.