Gabon unveils strategy to turn natural wealth into lasting prosperity

Libreville, Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Gabon is set to transform its extraordinary biodiversity into an economic powerhouse. By unveiling its new national strategy for sustainable tourism and crafts, the government is launching an ambitious project that goes far beyond the tourism sector alone.

Behind this roadmap lies a fresh vision for national development, centred on harnessing natural capital, creating jobs, and diversifying an economy still heavily reliant on extractive industries.

Gathered at the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville, top state officials, technical partners, diplomats, and private sector representatives witnessed the official presentation of a strategic document set to redefine tourism’s place in Gabon’s economy. At a time when traditional economic models are showing their limits and the ecological transition has become a global priority, Gabon aims to turn its forests, national parks, culture, and crafts into growth assets that last.

The Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Crafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, set the tone by stressing that tourism is not just an economic activity. In her view, it is a tool for territorial development, an identity showcase, and a powerful investment lever capable of transforming regions sustainably.

71 projects to scale up

The government’s ambition rests on a simple observation. Despite internationally recognised potential, Gabon’s tourism sector has never fully exploited its advantages. The diagnoses presented during the ceremony reveal institutional, legal, and organisational shortcomings that have held back the emergence of a genuine tourism industry for decades.

To break from this situation, the strategy plans to implement 71 priority projects. Investments target modernising infrastructure, improving sector governance, professionalising operators, developing ecotourism circuits, and enhancing historical, cultural, and artisanal heritage.

The stated objective is clear: significantly increase tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product while preserving the ecological integrity that makes the country unique.

On a continent where many states are seeking to convert their natural wealth into economic opportunities, Gabon holds a rare competitive advantage. Over 88% of its territory is covered by forests. Its national parks rank among the best preserved in Africa. Its wildlife, flora, and landscapes constitute a global heritage whose economic value remains largely untapped.

An economy that can no longer operate in silos

The success of such a strategy, however, depends on a crucial factor: coordination of public action.

The Minister of Industry, Lubin Ntoutoume, underscored with force that no single ministry can meet such a challenge alone. Developing tourism necessarily involves the sectors of infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, land planning, and vocational training.

This integrated approach signals an important evolution in economic governance. Tourism is no longer seen as a peripheral sector. It becomes a catalyst capable of driving multiple industries simultaneously, stimulating private investment, and creating jobs in areas often far from major urban centres.

Crafts also occupy a strategic place in this vision. By valuing local know-how, they help preserve cultural heritage while generating income for thousands of families.

The moment of truth

The appointment of actress and producer Nelly Obono as the face of the national tourism caravan, along with the commitment of artist Annie Flore to offer her song “Je t’invite” free of charge to promote the country, shows the determination to fully involve cultural players in this dynamic.

But beyond the symbols, the challenge now lies in execution. Vice President of the Republic, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, called on all administrations, local authorities, and economic operators to take ownership of this strategy to turn it into a tangible reality.

The official handover of the strategic document and the immediate announcement of a team tasked with its operationalisation mark the shift from reflection to action.

The third edition of the National Tourism Caravan, scheduled from 17 July to 6 September, will be the first real‑world test of this new policy.

For Gabon, the challenge goes beyond mere tourism development. It is about demonstrating that a nation can turn environmental protection into a driver of prosperity. In a world seeking more sustainable economic models, this strategy could make the country one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for the green economy.