With a population of around 2.4 million, Gabon is a Central African country crossed by the equator. It is made up of 9 provinces, including the Estuary, which is an asset for the country’s economy. The area abounds in natural and mining resources, particularly sand and gravel.
With Akanda as its capital, the province of Estuaire in Gabon is bordered to the north by Equatorial Guinea and to the north-east by Woleu-ntem. It covers an area of 20,740 km2 and is the cradle of Gabon’s history. Rich in flora and fauna, the estuary region, whose coat of arms is represented by an azure triangle, is of great economic importance as a source of nutrition and a breeding ground for fish and shellfish.
‘And each coat of arms, I’ll take the case of the province of Estuaire – you’ve seen it, it’s full, isn’t it, of the Atlantic Ocean that bathes our beautiful political province’.
Adrien Djembi, Director General of Heritage – Gabon
With 65.5% of economic activity in the formal sector and 61.7% in the informal sector, according to the 2023 General Business Census, the Estuary province is considered by many experts to be the economic lungs of Gabon. In fact, the region has a wealth of mining, hydrocarbon and fishing resources. Despite these assets, the estuary faces many challenges. It alone accounts for 53% of the region’s housing needs, representing a shortfall of around 119,000 homes.
‘We know the state of the alleyways and secondary streets in our neighbourhoods, and that’s why we thought it would be a good idea to start planning the alleyways’.
Marie Françoise Dikoumba, Governor of Estuaire Province – Gabon
With a population of 933,162, or 45.6% of Gabon’s total population, Estuaire province is also the seat of the country’s institutions. With its diverse flora and fauna and idyllic beaches, the Gabon estuary is one of the most beautiful lowlands in Africa.
