Gabon is stepping up its efforts to maximize its share of the continental market. On Friday, 11 September 2026, on the sidelines of a technical workshop dedicated to validating the updated national strategy for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Minister of Commerce, SMEs-SMIs, and Youth Entrepreneurship held talks with Adama Ekberg Coulibaly, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
This high-level meeting comes as the Gabonese government works to boost its involvement in intra-African trade, ensuring that local enterprises can fully capitalize on the massive opportunities offered by the AfCFTA framework.
A strategic roadmap for continental integration
During their discussions, the UNECA representative highlighted the critical need for Gabon to possess a modernized national strategy to guide its entry into this vast continental market. According to him, this framework will enable the nation to clearly outline its strategic priorities while guiding local economic actors in expanding their trade operations with other African nations.
Special attention is being directed toward small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as young entrepreneurs, who form the backbone of the national economy. The revised blueprint is designed to identify key drivers that will streamline market access for these businesses, facilitating their integration into regional and continental value chains.
Strong support from international partners
UNECA has reiterated its commitment to assisting Gabon throughout the implementation phase of this national trade strategy. This partnership will focus primarily on building local capacities, driving private sector development, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of Gabonese firms.
For Gabonese authorities, the ultimate objective is to translate continental trade integration into tangible economic benefits. This includes fostering business growth, generating sustainable employment, diversifying the national economy, and adding value to local products.
The validation of this updated national strategy marks a decisive step forward in preparing Gabon to navigate continental competition and seize emerging opportunities. Through this initiative, the government aims to leverage the AfCFTA as a powerful catalyst for economic transformation and private sector growth.
