The Gabonese head of state, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has kicked off a three-day state visit to France, marking his second official trip to the European nation since assuming office.
During this high-level engagement, both countries aim to deepen collaboration across critical sectors. Key areas of focus include strengthening economic ties, advancing infrastructure projects, accelerating energy transition initiatives, boosting industrial development, and fostering cultural exchanges.
Accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising business leaders, government officials, and media representatives, President Oligui Nguema will hold discussions with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. The agenda underscores mutual interests in transforming raw materials into higher-value products, particularly Gabon’s manganese reserves, which rank among the world’s largest.
Industrializing Gabon’s mineral wealth
One of the central themes of the visit is Gabon’s push to halt the export of unprocessed manganese by 2029. The objective is clear: develop domestic processing capabilities to capture greater economic value and create jobs within the country.
Military cooperation on the table
Defense cooperation also features prominently in the discussions. Both leaders are expected to review the future of their military partnership, including the status of Camp De Gaulle in Libreville. France has significantly scaled down its military footprint in Gabon over recent years, reducing troop numbers from approximately 1,200 to around 100, as part of broader strategic adjustments in Africa.
The visit reflects Gabon’s commitment to diversify its international alliances while reinforcing long-standing ties with France, particularly in sectors poised to drive sustainable economic growth.