Gabon’s strategic economic vision is clearly yielding tangible results. The nation’s bold aspiration to emerge as a dominant mining and industrial hub in Central Africa by 2030 is taking concrete shape. Just over a month following the pivotal strategic agreement with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) for the implementation of the Kobe-Kobe project, the government has intensified its focus on developing critical national infrastructure.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to action, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema personally officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kobe-Kobe deep-water port on Monday, June 8, 2026.
This ambitious undertaking is designed to feature an array of facilities, including a dedicated mineral terminal, a versatile multi-purpose and mineral quay, an integrated railway loop, a residential zone, extensive cargo storage areas, and modern office spaces. Through this comprehensive, integrating project, Gabon firmly asserts its determination to locally process its raw materials. This pursuit of economic sovereignty is being forged in collaboration with international economic partners spanning five continents. Each partner is expected to contribute strategically, focusing on areas such as mining, iron processing, and manufacturing plants. The overarching goal is to foster cohesive collaboration in all efforts. “Everyone must work and deliver results,” emphasized the head of state.
“Today, we are not merely initiating an infrastructure construction site. We are laying the groundwork for a transformative development model, rooted in industrialization, the creation of local value, territorial integration, and Gabon’s logistical sovereignty. Your objective is clear: to establish Gabon as an indispensable player in regional logistics and a strategic hub within Central Africa. This ambition now takes concrete form,” declared Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the Minister of Transport and Merchant Marine.
This project ranks among the five largest mining initiatives globally. Philippe Labone, the CEO of AGL, confirmed that “exports from the Kobe-Kobe port are slated to commence in April 2031.”
Further elaborating on the project, the accompanying railway corridor will span approximately 550 kilometers, efficiently connecting production sites to the expansive port complex with an estimated travel time of about eight hours.
While initial studies are already in progress, AGL has committed to sending young Gabonese citizens for specialized training, ensuring their active involvement at the core of this pivotal development process.
Quantitatively, the project is projected to generate over 100,000 jobs, boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by more than 50%, and contribute an anticipated annual value exceeding 10 billion dollars.
