Gabon bets on mining to drive economic growth amid oil decline

The Gabonese government is accelerating efforts to transform its mining sector into a key driver of economic resilience. With crude oil production in steady decline, officials have intensified investment announcements and exploration campaigns across several provinces to unlock the country’s mineral wealth.

Sosthène Nguema Nguema outlines bold plans for mining expansion

The Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, who took office seven months ago, has outlined an ambitious roadmap. Between 2026 and 2030, at least eight new mines are scheduled to begin operations, focusing primarily on iron ore, with additional developments in gold and potash. The government anticipates that these projects will generate thousands of jobs and significantly boost the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy.

Currently, mining accounts for around 6% of Gabon’s GDP. However, under the new strategy, this figure is projected to rise to between 15% and 20% within the next decade, signaling a strategic pivot away from oil dependency.

Infrastructure gaps pose challenges to mining ambitions

Economist Orphée Mouelé, an academic at Omar Bongo University, emphasizes that infrastructure remains the biggest hurdle to achieving these goals. He highlights the urgent need for upgraded road networks, expanded rail systems, modernized ports, and reinforced bridges to facilitate the efficient transport of minerals from mine sites to export hubs.

Energy access is equally critical. Reliable and sufficient electricity supply will be essential not only for operating mines but also for supporting downstream industries that process raw materials. Without these foundational improvements, the mining sector’s growth potential could be severely constrained.

Civil society calls for inclusive benefits

The NGO Éthique et bonne gouvernance, led by its president Edmiaune Zouga, has welcomed the government’s mining initiatives but stresses the importance of ensuring tangible benefits for local communities. Zouga argues that mining revenues must translate into improved living standards for all Gabonese citizens, with transparent distribution mechanisms and direct reinvestment into public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.