On Friday, September 11, 2026, Gabon took a major step toward maximizing its share of the African market. On the sidelines of a technical workshop dedicated to validating the revised national strategy for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf), the Minister of Commerce, SMEs-PMIs, and Youth Entrepreneurship held a strategic meeting with Adama Ekberg Coulibaly, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (CEA).

This meeting underscores the determination of the Gabonese government to boost its involvement in intra-African trade and enable local enterprises to fully capture the vast opportunities presented by the ZLECAf.

A tailored roadmap for continental trade integration

During the discussions, the CEA resident representative highlighted how crucial it is for Gabon to establish an updated national framework to guide its integration into this massive continental market. This strategic tool is designed to help the nation clearly outline its trade priorities and guide economic players as they expand into other African markets.

Empowering small businesses and young entrepreneurs

Special emphasis is being placed on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs-PMIs) and young business leaders, who represent a vital pillar of the national economy. The updated roadmap aims to identify key mechanisms that will ease their access to continental trade networks and accelerate their integration into regional value chains.

Furthermore, the CEA has pledged its continuous support to help Gabon execute this plan. This partnership will focus on strengthening national capacities, stimulating the private sector, and boosting the overall competitiveness of Gabonese businesses.

For the authorities in Libreville, the ultimate objective is to translate regional trade agreements into tangible economic benefits. This includes driving business growth, generating sustainable employment, diversifying the economy, and adding value to local products.

The final validation of this updated strategy marks a decisive step in preparing Gabon for continental competition. Through this initiative, the government aims to leverage the ZLECAf as a powerful engine for economic transformation and private sector development.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter