Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and French President Emmanuel Macron formalized several major bilateral agreements late Sunday evening in Libreville.
These accords are designed to support the ambitious economic, institutional, and infrastructural reforms currently being undertaken by the Gabonese transitional government.
A key agreement was a contract signed between the Gabonese government and the French Development Agency (AFD), jointly funded by France and the European Union. This support is critical for the revitalization of the national railway network, which Gabon considers strategic for industrialization, local processing of raw materials, and broader economic development.
The two leaders also approved joint programs focusing on essential public services: Drinking Water: New investments are planned to improve the quality and distribution of potable water. Waste Management: France committed to strengthening its technical and financial support for waste management infrastructure. Urban Infrastructure: A modernization program was approved for Libreville and Gabon’s main cities.
The sensitive issue of manganese processing was addressed, with President Oligui Nguema reiterating expectations of the French company Eramet regarding its commitments to local value addition. Paris assured him of close monitoring via a regular follow-up mechanism. Both parties affirmed their commitment to a partnership built on transparency, responsibility, and reciprocity.
President Macron noted that nearly 85 French subsidiaries operate in Gabon, providing over 12,000 jobs, the majority held by Gabonese citizens. He stressed that these new agreements should enhance the country’s attractiveness and encourage new investment flows.
In his statement, President Macron spoke positively about the transition initiated after August 30, 2023, describing Gabon as an “example” in terms of adhering to political and institutional commitments. He welcomed the holding of the November 16, 2025 election, which confirmed Brice Oligui Nguema as the head of the new Republic. France, he assured, “remains ready to support this new era,” particularly in consolidating institutions, improving public governance, and capacity building.
Security remains a key priority. Macron confirmed the transformation of the Franco-Gabonese military partnership toward a new model focused heavily on mutual support, training, joint exercises, and equipment programs requested by the Gabonese forces.
Furthermore, France confirmed the creation of the Academy for the Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources, specializing in the fight against poaching and illegal gold mining. Macron emphasized the importance of their collaboration in protecting the Congo Basin forests, confirming that €60 million from the debt conversion program will be entirely dedicated to the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and the development of the timber and forestry sector.
The French president also inaugurated the newly renovated French Institute in Gabon and underscored the strength of university cooperation, noting that more than 5,700 Gabonese students are currently enrolled in higher education in France.
The two leaders expressed mutual hope that these comprehensive agreements would accelerate Libreville’s modernization programs and solidify a renewed, transparent bilateral partnership.
RNK/ac/fss/abj/APA