Libreville, Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – Gabon is determined to turn its remarkable biodiversity into an economic engine. By unveiling its new national strategy for sustainable tourism and crafts, the government is launching an ambitious initiative that goes far beyond the tourism sector alone.
Behind this roadmap lies a fresh vision for national development, built on leveraging natural capital, creating jobs, and diversifying an economy still heavily reliant on extractive resources.
Gathered at the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville, top state officials, technical partners, diplomats, and private sector representatives witnessed the official unveiling of a strategic document set to redefine tourism’s role in Gabon’s economy. In a context where traditional economic models are showing their limits and ecological transition is a global priority, Gabon aims to turn its forests, national parks, culture, and crafts into assets for sustainable growth.
The Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Crafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, set the tone by reminding that tourism is not just an economic activity. She described it as a tool for territorial development, an identity showcase, and a powerful investment lever capable of transforming regions sustainably.
71 projects to change the scale
The government’s ambition is based on a simple observation. Despite internationally recognized potential, Gabon’s tourism sector has never fully capitalized on its strengths. Diagnostics presented during the ceremony highlighted institutional, legal, and organizational shortcomings that have hindered the emergence of a true tourism industry for decades.
To break with this situation, the strategy provides for the implementation of 71 priority projects. Investments aim particularly at modernizing infrastructure, improving sector governance, professionalizing operators, developing ecotourism circuits, and enhancing historical, cultural, and artisanal heritage.
The stated goal is clear: significantly increase tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product while preserving the ecological integrity that makes the country unique.
In a continent where several states seek to convert natural wealth into economic opportunities, Gabon holds a rare competitive advantage. More than 88% of its territory is covered by forests. Its national parks are among Africa’s most pristine. Its fauna, flora, and landscapes constitute a global heritage whose economic value remains largely underutilized.
An economy that can no longer work in silos
The success of such a strategy, however, depends on a decisive factor: coordination of public action.
Minister of Industry Lubin Ntoutoume stressed that no single ministry can take on such a challenge alone. Developing tourism necessarily involves the sectors of infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, territorial planning, and professional training.
This integrated approach reflects a significant shift in economic governance. Tourism is no longer seen as a peripheral sector. It becomes a catalyst capable of driving multiple industries simultaneously, stimulating private investment, and creating jobs in areas sometimes far from major urban centers.
Crafts also hold a strategic place in this vision. By promoting local know-how, they help preserve cultural heritage while generating income for thousands of families.
The moment of truth
The appointment of actress and producer Nelly Obono as the face of the national tourism caravan, as well as artist Annie Flore’s commitment to make her song ‘Je t’invite’ available for free to support the country’s promotion, demonstrate the desire to fully engage cultural actors in this dynamic.
But beyond symbols, the challenge now lies in execution. Vice President of the Republic Alexandre Barro Chambrier called on all administrations, local authorities, and economic operators to take ownership of this strategy to turn it into a tangible reality.
The official handover of the strategic document and the immediate announcement of a team tasked with its operationalization mark the transition from reflection to action.
The third edition of the National Tourism Caravan, scheduled from July 17 to September 6, will be the first real-world test of this new policy.
For Gabon, the challenge goes beyond simple tourism development. It is about demonstrating that a nation can transform environmental protection into a driver of prosperity. In a world seeking more sustainable economic models, this strategy could make the country one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for the green economy.
