With the launch of construction on the future Kobé-Kobé deepwater port, Gabon is undertaking one of the most ambitious transformative projects in its recent history. Anchored to the Belinga iron ore deposit, a new railway line, and the planned Booué hydroelectric dam, this industrial and logistics hub reflects the government’s drive to build an economy less reliant on oil and more focused on local processing of natural resources.
Long dependent on oil revenues, Gabon is now seeking to diversify its growth engines. Within this strategy, the Kobé-Kobé project emerges as a cornerstone of the new economic model envisioned by authorities. More than just a port, it is a vast industrial ecosystem designed to connect the country’s mineral resources to international markets while maximizing local benefits.
Located on the Atlantic coast in Estuaire province, the future deepwater port will have a draft estimated between 14 and 16 metres, enabling it to accommodate very large vessels. This feature is expected to significantly boost Gabon’s logistics competitiveness amid growing rivalry among Central African port infrastructures.
An integrated project at the heart of economic transformation
Kobé-Kobé is part of a complete value chain revolving around several strategic infrastructures. At the centre is the Belinga iron ore deposit, considered one of the largest still untapped in the world.
To transport the ore to the coast, a new railway line will link the country’s interior to the future port. Added to this is the Booué hydroelectric dam project, intended to supply the energy needed to run the mining and industrial complex. This integrated approach aims to avoid the traditional model of raw material exports by promoting local processing within national territory.
The strategic agreement signed in April 2026 between the Gabonese state and Africa Global Logistics (AGL) marks a decisive step in bringing the project to fruition. The stated goal is to create a benchmark logistics platform capable of supporting the country’s industrialisation.
Up to 160,000 jobs expected
Beyond infrastructure, one of the main stakes is the project’s social and economic impact. According to estimates, the complex could generate up to 160,000 direct and indirect jobs during its development.
This prospect sends a strong signal to Gabon’s youth, who face challenges in accessing the job market. Needs will span construction trades, logistics, industry, rail transport, energy, and maintenance.
For authorities, the aim is to create a ripple effect across the entire national economic fabric by fostering the emergence of local businesses that can participate in the subcontracting chain.
Materialising an ambition of economic sovereignty
Beyond its economic dimension, Kobé-Kobé also carries strong symbolic weight. The project reflects the will of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to build an economy more grounded in the valorisation of national resources and control over strategic infrastructure.
In a context where economic sovereignty is a major issue for African states, the future mining, energy, rail, and port complex stands as one of the most concrete illustrations of this ambition. If deadlines are met, Kobé-Kobé could, by 2030, become a key symbol of Gabon’s economic transformation and its entry into the post-oil era.
