With the launch of construction on the future Kobé-Kobé deepwater port, Gabon is embarking on one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in its recent history. Backed by the Belinga iron ore deposit, a new railway line and the planned Booué hydroelectric dam, this industrial and logistics hub embodies the government’s drive to build an economy less dependent on oil and more focused on local processing of natural resources.
Long reliant on oil revenues, Gabon is now working to diversify its growth drivers. In this strategy, the Kobé-Kobé project stands as a cornerstone of the new economic model envisioned by the authorities. More than just a port, it represents a vast industrial ecosystem designed to connect the country’s mineral resources to international markets while maximising local benefits.
Located on the Atlantic coast in Estuaire province, the future deepwater port will have a draught estimated between 14 and 16 metres, allowing it to accommodate very large vessels. This feature should significantly boost Gabon’s logistics competitiveness amid growing rivalry among Central African port infrastructures.
An integrated project at the heart of economic transformation
Kobé-Kobé is part of a complete value chain built around several strategic infrastructures. At the centre lies the Belinga iron ore deposit, considered one of the world’s largest untapped deposits.
To move the ore to the coast, a new railway line will connect the interior to the future port. Added to this is the Booué hydroelectric dam project, intended to supply the energy needed to run the mining and industrial complex. This integrated approach aims to avoid the traditional model of raw commodity exports by promoting domestic processing.
The strategic agreement signed in April 2026 between the Gabonese state and Africa Global Logistics marks a decisive step toward realising the project. The stated goal is to create a benchmark logistics platform capable of supporting the country’s industrialisation.
Up to 160,000 jobs expected
Beyond infrastructure, the project’s social and economic impact is a key concern. According to estimates, the complex could generate up to 160,000 direct and indirect jobs during its development.
This prospect sends a strong signal to Gabon’s youth, who face employment challenges. Needs will cover construction, logistics, industry, rail transport, energy and maintenance.
For the authorities, the aim is to create a ripple effect across the entire national economic fabric by fostering local companies capable of participating in the subcontracting chain.
Materialising an ambition for economic sovereignty
Beyond its economic dimension, Kobé-Kobé carries strong symbolic weight. The project reflects President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s determination to build an economy based on the valorisation of national resources and control over strategic infrastructure.
In a context where economic sovereignty is a major issue for African states, the future mining, energy, rail and port complex appears as one of the most concrete illustrations of this ambition. If announced deadlines are met, Kobé-Kobé could, by 2030, become one of the main symbols of Gabon’s economic transformation and its entry into the post-oil era.
