Kobe-Kobe deepwater port: Gabon builds economic sovereignty with integrated project

Gabon’s economic strategy is starting to deliver tangible outcomes. The country has set an ambitious goal to become a central African mining and industrial hub by 2030. Just over a month after signing a strategic agreement with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) for the Kobe-Kobe project, the government is also prioritizing nationwide infrastructure development.

Determined to turn plans into action, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema laid the foundation stone for the Kobe-Kobe deepwater port on Monday, June 8, 2026.

This ambitious project includes a mineral terminal, a multi-purpose and mineral quay, a railway loop, a residential zone, cargo storage areas, and office spaces. Through this integrated project, Gabon is asserting its intention to process raw materials locally. In practice, this economic sovereignty is being built with international partners from all five continents. Each partner has a specific role: mining, iron, processing plants, and more. The goal is cohesive collaboration. “Everyone must work and deliver results,” the head of state emphasized.

“Today we are not simply launching an infrastructure project. We are laying the foundations for a new development model based on industrialization, local value creation, territorial integration, and Gabon’s logistical sovereignty. Your ambition is clear: to make Gabon an indispensable player in regional logistics and a strategic hub in Central Africa. That ambition is now taking concrete shape,” said Transport and Merchant Marine Minister Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi.

This project ranks among the five largest mining projects globally. In his speech, AGL Chief Executive Officer Philippe Labone stated that “exports from the Kobe-Kobe port will begin in April 2031.”

The accompanying railway corridor will stretch nearly 550 kilometers, connecting production sites to the port complex with an estimated travel time of about eight hours.

Studies have already begun, and AGL has indicated that young Gabonese will be sent for training to ensure they are at the heart of this process.

In figures, the project is expected to create over 100,000 jobs, boost gross domestic product by more than 50%, and generate an annual value exceeding $10 billion.