Gabon’s kobe-kobe deep-water port: a new era for central african logistics

Gabon’s economic strategy is demonstrably yielding tangible outcomes. The nation is making a significant bet on its future, aiming to establish itself as a premier mining and industrial hub across Central Africa by 2030. This ambitious vision gains momentum, especially following the strategic agreement signed with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) just over a month ago for the pivotal Kobe-Kobe project. Concurrently, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing national infrastructure.

Demonstrating a clear resolve to translate plans into action, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema officially inaugurated the construction phase yesterday, Monday, June 8, 2026, by laying the foundation stone for the transformative Kobe-Kobe deep-water port.

This expansive undertaking is designed to feature a dedicated mineral terminal, a versatile multi-purpose and mineral quay, an integrated railway loop, a new residential area, expansive cargo storage facilities, and modern administrative offices. Through this comprehensive and integrative initiative, Gabon underscores its determination to domestically process its own raw materials, bolstering economic sovereignty. This strategic push for self-reliance is being forged in collaboration with international economic partners spanning all five continents. Each collaborator is expected to fulfill their specific role, contributing across sectors such as mining, iron extraction, and processing plants. The overarching principle is to ensure seamless cohesion in all operations. “Everyone must work and deliver results,” affirmed the Head of State.

During the ceremony, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the Minister of Transport and Merchant Marine, emphasized the project’s broader significance. “Today, we are not merely commencing an infrastructure construction site. We are laying the groundwork for an entirely new development paradigm, one rooted in industrialization, the creation of local value, the integration of our territories, and Gabon’s logistical sovereignty. Our ambition is unequivocal: to establish Gabon as an indispensable player in regional logistics and a strategic hub within Central Africa. This ambition now takes tangible form,” stated Minister Manfoumbi Manfoumbi.

This ambitious endeavor stands among the world’s five largest mining projects, a fact I can confirm. Philippe Labone, the Director General of AGL, announced in his address that “exports from the Kobe-Kobe port are slated to commence in April 2031.”

Detailing the scope, a new railway corridor, integral to this project, will span nearly 550 kilometers. This vital link will connect key production sites directly to the port complex, facilitating an estimated journey time of approximately eight hours.

While initial studies are already underway, AGL has committed to ensuring that young Gabonese citizens will receive specialized training, placing them at the very core of this transformative development process.

Quantifying its impact, the project is projected to generate over 100,000 new jobs, contribute to an increase of more than 50% in Gabon’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and yield an anticipated annual value exceeding $10 billion.