The Gabon Economic Forum (GEF) has entered its second edition with a bold vision: transforming Gabon’s economy by empowering its private sector. Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès, Alain Claude Kouakoua, President of the Gabonese Business Federation (FEG), made it clear that the future of Gabon hinges on thriving enterprises. “My hope is that tomorrow, the FEG will be recognized not just as a defender of businesses, but as the driving force behind their success,” he declared.
This year’s GEF brings together national decision-makers and international partners to tackle Gabon’s most pressing economic challenges. Kouakoua emphasized a fundamental truth: no nation has ever achieved sustainable development without a robust private sector. For him, businesses are not just participants in the economy—they are its heartbeat.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Vice-President Hugues Alexandre Barro Chambrier acknowledged the crucial role of the private sector in national progress. “The State will fulfill its responsibilities to ensure public finances are stabilized, allowing businesses to receive their due support in a timely manner,” he affirmed. His words underscored a shared ambition: to diversify Gabon’s economy, reduce reliance on raw materials, and accelerate industrialization.
The GEF is more than a conference—it is a strategic platform designed to foster dialogue, align priorities, and translate economic goals into action. With a renewed focus on collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises, this edition aims to lay the groundwork for a more resilient and competitive Gabonese economy.
