Gabon launches Kobé-Kobé deep-sea port to shift from oil dependence

With the launch of construction for the future deep-sea port of Kobé-Kobé, Gabon has embarked on one of the most ambitious structuring projects in its recent history. Backed by the Belinga iron ore deposit, a new railway infrastructure, and the future Booué hydroelectric dam, this industrial and logistics complex embodies the authorities’ determination to build an economy less dependent on oil and more focused on local processing of natural resources.

Long reliant on oil revenues, Gabon now seeks to diversify its growth drivers. In this strategy, the Kobé-Kobé project appears as a key element of the new economic model desired by the authorities. More than just a port, it represents a vast industrial ecosystem designed to connect the country’s mining resources to international markets while maximizing local benefits.

Located on the Atlantic coast in the Estuary Province, the future deep-water port will have a draft estimated between 14 and 16 meters, allowing it to accommodate very large vessels. This feature is expected to significantly enhance Gabon’s logistics competitiveness in a context of increased competition among port infrastructures in Central Africa.

Integrated project at the heart of economic transformation

Kobé-Kobé is part of a complete value chain structured around several strategic infrastructures. At the centre is the Belinga iron ore deposit, considered one of the largest still unexploited in the world.

To transport the ore to the coast, a new railway line will connect the interior to the future port. In addition, the Booué hydroelectric dam project is expected to provide the energy needed for the mining and industrial complex. This integrated approach aims to avoid the traditional model of raw material exports by promoting local processing.

The strategic agreement signed in April 2026 between the Gabonese state and Africa Global Logistics (AGL) marks a decisive step in the project’s realisation. The stated goal is to create a reference logistics platform capable of supporting the country’s industrialisation.

Up to 160,000 jobs expected

Beyond infrastructure, one of the main issues is the project’s social and economic impact. 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 Gabonese youth facing employment challenges. Needs will concern fields such as construction, logistics, industry, rail transport, energy, and maintenance.

For the authorities, the aim is to create a ripple effect across the entire national economy by encouraging the emergence of local companies capable of participating in the subcontracting chain.

Materialising an ambition of economic sovereignty

Beyond its economic dimension, Kobé-Kobé carries strong symbolic weight. The project reflects President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s desire to build an economy more based on the valorisation of national resources and control of strategic infrastructure.

In a context where economic sovereignty is a major issue for African states, the future mining, energy, railway, and port complex appears as one of the most concrete illustrations of this ambition. If deadlines are met, Kobé-Kobé could, by 2030, become a key symbol of Gabon’s economic transformation and its entry into the post-oil era.