Gabon has signed a collaboration agreement with South Africa’s Council for Geoscience in a move aimed at strengthening its geological research capacity.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Africa Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town by senior officials from both countries, formed part of Gabon’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil and unlock the commercial potential of its substantial mineral deposits, including iron ore, manganese and gold.
Gabonese Minister of Mines Sosthene Nguema Nguema said the partnership aligned with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s directive to increase the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy.
“Ultimately, we will have to work in collaboration with advanced mining economies like South Africa to achieve this,” he said.
The agreement was signed by Alain Manzanza, Director General of Geology in the Gabonese Ministry of Mines and Council of Geoscience South Africa chief executive Mosa Mabuza.
Under the partnership, the Council for Geoscience would work with Gabonese experts to conduct comprehensive geological assessments, integrate existing data and produce updated resource maps.
The initiative is expected to give Gabon a clearer understanding of its mineral endowment and support more effective resource‑development planning.
Capacity building is a central pillar of the agreement, with provisions for training programmes, technical exchanges and joint research projects to strengthen the skills of Gabonese geologists and engineers.
Officials said the collaboration would also help improve regulatory transparency and attract new investment from South African mining companies.
Environmental and technological cooperation is another key component, with both sides committing to promote responsible mining practices and align with evolving global ESG standards.
Joint working groups are expected to outline an implementation roadmap in the coming months, including priority areas for geological surveys and training schedules.
JN/APA