Gabon has formally concluded its long-standing Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with the European Union (UE). The accord officially reached its expiration on June 28, 2026, without any plans for renewal.
This partnership, initially established in 2007, had seen multiple extensions, most recently in 2021. Over its final five-year term, the agreement reportedly contributed 17 billion CFA francs to the Gabonese state treasury.
The decision to discontinue the pact with the EU was first put forward during the Council of Ministers meeting in June 2025, under the direction of transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. This move signifies a substantial shift, ending nearly two decades of collaborative fisheries management with the European bloc.
From Libreville’s perspective, the financial returns generated by the agreement were deemed inadequate, particularly when weighed against the true value of the fish catches extracted from Gabonese maritime territories. The Gabonese authorities have consistently criticized the modest income derived from the arrangement.
Looking ahead, the Gabonese government is now poised to prioritize the domestic processing of tuna. This strategic pivot aims to stimulate the creation of new employment opportunities, attract industrial investments, and enhance the overall value added within the nation’s borders.
