Gabon president arrives in France for high-level state visit

The President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has arrived in France for a three-day state visit, marking his second official trip to the country since assuming office.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

This visit aims to deepen cooperation between Gabon and France across key sectors, including investments, infrastructure development, energy transition, industrialization, cultural exchanges, and economic relations. The Gabonese delegation, comprising business leaders, political officials, and media representatives, will engage in high-level discussions with French counterparts.

Key Agendas on the Table

Among the critical topics is the local processing of manganese, where Gabon ranks among the world’s top producers. Libreville plans to halt raw mineral exports by 2029 to prioritize domestic value addition and boost industrial growth.

Defense cooperation will also be a major focus, with discussions expected on the renewal of military partnerships and the future of the De Gaulle base in Libreville. France has significantly scaled down its military presence in Gabon, reducing troop numbers from approximately 1,200 to around 100 in recent years.

The visit underscores Gabon’s commitment to diversifying its economic partnerships while reinforcing long-standing ties with France.