The meeting between Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and African Development Bank (BAD) President Sidi Ould Tah signals stronger economic ties.
On Friday in Libreville, Gabonese head of state Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema welcomed Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank, for a strategic dialogue aimed at deepening collaboration between Gabon and the pan-African financial institution.
The high-level meeting, attended by Nouredine Kane Dia, the BAD’s resident representative in Gabon, focused on reviewing the bank’s active portfolio in the country and aligning future investments with the government’s development priorities. A key agenda item was the enhancement of water and electricity supply across the nation, alongside agricultural sector growth to curb food imports and foster self-sufficiency.
Water and energy: critical infrastructure upgrades
In the energy and water sectors, the BAD has pledged support for large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those linked to the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon. One flagship initiative involves strengthening water supply from the Komo River to meet growing demand in Libreville and surrounding areas.
The bank has already funded the Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program for Libreville (PIAEPAL) with a €200 million loan—approximately 75 billion FCFA—aimed at modernizing the capital’s aging water network. The program delivered 310 km of rehabilitated pipelines, 21,000 newly installed meters, and new or refurbished water towers in Ntoum, Bikélé-Nzong, Alénakiri, and Sotega. Despite these efforts, President Oligui Nguema acknowledged during his June 15 state-of-the-nation address that outcomes fell short of expectations.
Agriculture and food security take center stage
The agricultural sector emerged as a national priority, with the government positioning it as a cornerstone for reducing import dependency and achieving food autonomy. The BAD, already a major investor in Gabon’s infrastructure, energy, and agriculture, is expected to play a pivotal role in scaling up funding for high-impact projects that align with the president’s socioeconomic vision.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the population, ensuring that future investments are strategically aligned with Gabon’s national development goals.
The BAD remains one of Gabon’s top multilateral partners, with a strong track record in financing transformative projects across critical sectors.