Modernizing Gabon’s SOGARA refinery to boost energy independence

As a leading oil producer in Central Africa, Gabon faces an unexpected economic challenge: its heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products. To address this vulnerability, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) is urging Libreville to expedite the modernization of the Gabonese Refining Company (SOGARA), a move seen as vital for easing public finances and protecting the region’s foreign reserves.