Gabon has formally concluded its Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with the European Union (EU), opting not to renew the pact that officially expired on June 28, 2026.
Originally established in 2007, this accord saw multiple extensions, with its most recent renewal occurring in 2021. Over its last five-year term, the agreement reportedly generated 17 billion CFA francs for the Gabonese state.
The decision to discontinue the partnership with the EU was first deliberated during the Council of Ministers meeting in June 2025. This strategic pivot, a significant development in African current affairs, was spearheaded by transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, marking a major departure after 19 years of collaborative fisheries management with the European bloc.
Officials in Libreville have expressed concerns that the financial returns from the agreement were inadequate when weighed against the substantial value of catches harvested within Gabonese waters. The government has consistently criticized the low revenue streams derived from the arrangement.
Looking ahead, the Gabonese government is now committed to prioritizing the domestic processing of tuna. This new direction is designed to stimulate job creation, attract industrial investments, and enhance the overall added value within the nation’s own territory, reinforcing the country’s economic sovereignty.
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