Gabon’s proactive economic strategy is demonstrably yielding significant outcomes. With an ambitious vision to transform into a prominent mining and industrial hub across Central Africa by 2030, the nation is pursuing large-scale initiatives. Just over a month following the pivotal strategic agreement signed with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) for the implementation of the Kobe-Kobe project, the government’s focus is sharply directed towards enhancing national infrastructure.
Demonstrating a commitment to action, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema officially inaugurated the construction of the Kobe-Kobe deep-water port yesterday, Monday, June 8, 2026, by laying its foundational stone.
This comprehensive and ambitious undertaking is set to feature a dedicated mineral terminal, a versatile multi-purpose and mineral quay, an integrated railway loop, a residential zone, extensive cargo storage facilities, and administrative offices. Through this expansive, integrating project, Gabon is resolutely advancing its objective of domestically processing its raw materials. In practice, this pursuit of economic sovereignty is being forged collaboratively with international economic partners spanning all five continents. Each partner is tasked with a specific role, encompassing areas such as mining operations, iron extraction, and the establishment of transformation plants. The core principle is to foster seamless cohesion in all endeavors. “Everyone must contribute and deliver tangible results,” affirmed the Head of State.
“Today, we are not merely initiating an infrastructure construction site. We are establishing the bedrock for a novel development paradigm, anchored in industrialization, the generation of local value, regional integration, and Gabon’s logistical autonomy. Your aspiration is unequivocal: to position Gabon as an indispensable regional logistics player and a strategic nexus in Central Africa. This ambition now takes concrete form,” emphasized Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the Minister of Transport and Merchant Marine.
This particular project stands as one of the top five largest mining ventures globally. Philippe Labone, the Director General of AGL, indicated in his address that “exports from the Kobe-Kobe port are slated to commence in April 2031.”
In terms of specifics, the accompanying railway corridor for this project will span approximately 550 kilometers, efficiently linking production sites to the port complex with an estimated travel time of around eight hours.
While preliminary studies are already underway, AGL has confirmed plans to send young Gabonese individuals for specialized training, ensuring their central involvement in this transformative process.
Quantitatively, the project is anticipated to generate over 100,000 jobs, boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by more than 50%, and yield an expected annual value exceeding 10 billion dollars.
