After concluding his official visit to Antananarivo, where he represented the president of the republic at the 66th independence anniversary celebrations of Madagascar, vice-president of the government Hermann Immongault met with gabonese nationals residing on the big island. The dialogue allowed direct exchanges with the community about their daily challenges and reaffirmed Libreville’s commitment to maintaining an ongoing connection with the diaspora.
During the discussions, diaspora representatives raised several ongoing difficulties faced by gabonese citizens living in Madagascar. Among the key issues were the lack of a permanent consular presence, which complicates administrative processes, and concerns related to gabonese students, including scholarship monitoring, accreditation of universities, and the strengthening of academic exchanges. Community members also called for deeper economic ties between the two countries to support business initiatives and cross-border investments.
A cooperation set to intensify
In response, Hermann Immongault assured that all concerns would receive thorough attention from the relevant authorities. He highlighted the need to enhance engagement between Libreville and Antananarivo on visa policies, scholarships managed by the national agency for gabonese scholarships (ANBG), and student support services. The vice-president stressed the ambition to build a closer relationship with Madagascar, in line with the vision shared by both heads of state.
Addressing business leaders as well, Hermann Immongault encouraged malagasy entrepreneurs to seize opportunities available in Gabon, particularly in agribusiness and energy sectors. He stated that institutional and economic exchanges between the two nations are expected to increase in the coming months. This meeting with the diaspora forms part of a broader effort to stay connected with gabonese abroad and underscores the government’s resolve to turn cooperation between Libreville and Antananarivo into a development tool benefiting both populations and economic actors.