Gabon and France are seeking to redefine their long-standing partnership through renewed cooperation focused on investment, economic diversification, defence, ecological transition, education and innovation. This follows Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s State Visit to France from 19 to 21 July 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and opening new avenues for cooperation. With 110 French companies operating in Gabon, according to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France remains a key economic partner for Libreville.
Forty-two years after the last State Visit by a Gabonese Head of State to France, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s official visit from 19 to 21 July 2026 marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Discussions centred on strategic priorities including investment, economic diversification, defence cooperation, education and the ecological transition. As Gabon accelerates its industrialization agenda and seeks to increase local value addition, the country is working to reduce its dependence on raw material exports by attracting productive investments. France, with about 110 companies operating in Gabon and accounting for approximately 26% of the country’s imports, remains a major economic partner.
« Gabon arrives in Paris 42 years later for a state visit. We come for a transparent and equitable partnership, a partnership of sovereignty, a partnership renewed to our liking. I think this state visit will leave its mark, because today we want to discuss matters as equals with France, but also with all other countries. We have diversified our economy, the country is a work in progress, and we have a project for Gabon.
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic – Gabon
Environmental cooperation also remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. According to the World Bank, approximately 88% of Gabon’s territory is covered by forests, making it one of the world’s most forested countries and an important contributor to biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in the Congo Basin. At the same time, the World Bank notes that Gabon’s economy remains highly dependent on natural resources, with oil, manganese and timber accounting for about 97% of the country’s exports.
The current challenge is transformation. Every generation must fight its own battle. The battle of its youth. Without creating jobs, transformation leads to unemployment. So why not embrace transformation? Why not move towards equitable partnerships? That’s why I’m talking about renewing partnerships. After 42 years, Gabon is coming to Paris to discuss reliable projects.
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic – Gabon
President Oligui Nguema also underscored Gabon’s ambition to position itself as a competitive investment destination by promoting governance reforms, infrastructure development and value-added industries. His vision highlights the country’s commitment to fostering transparent partnerships, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening international cooperation in support of inclusive and sustainable development.
“There are many infrastructure projects underway, such as the deep-water port of kobe-kobe, for example, which was part of the Belinga mining operation. Through this partnership, we want to put an end to the resource rent and move toward a win-win approach. We may not be able to achieve this through military means, but we can do so politically and diplomatically. And I am certain we will succeed. We have managed to reclaim a portion of our oil, which is unprecedented in Africa. Today, I can state this with complete transparency: Asala and Joossé have become the leading national producers, ahead of our former long-standing partner.”
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic – Gabon
With a strong French business presence in Gabon’s key sectors, including energy, mining, banking, transport and services, the two countries are seeking to redefine their partnership more than six decades after establishing diplomatic relations in 1960. This State Visit marks a new phase focused on investment, economic transformation and sustainable development, with both sides aiming to build a more strategic partnership adapted to emerging global challenges.
