Gabonese government concludes long-standing fishing pact with european union

The Gabonese Republic has officially ceased its Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with the European Union (EU). This long-standing accord reached its formal expiration on June 28, 2026, and was not extended by the Gabonese authorities.

Initially established in 2007, the agreement saw multiple renewals over the years, with its most recent extension occurring in 2021. During its last five-year term, the pact reportedly contributed an estimated 17 billion CFA francs to the Gabonese national treasury.

The decision to discontinue the partnership with the EU was first deliberated and initiated during the Council of Ministers meeting in June 2025. This pivotal move, championed by transitional president Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, marks a significant departure from nearly two decades of fisheries collaboration with the European bloc.

For Libreville, the capital city and seat of government, the financial returns from the agreement were deemed insufficient when weighed against the substantial value of marine resources harvested from Gabonese territorial waters. The government expressed concerns regarding the comparatively low revenue generated by the existing terms of the accord.

Moving forward, the Gabonese government is now committed to a strategic shift, prioritizing the domestic transformation of tuna. This initiative aims to stimulate job creation, attract industrial investments, and enhance the overall added value within the national economy.