The head of the military junta in Gabon, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, received on Monday, December 30, a memorandum of understanding defining the framework for the transfer of the capital of the ‘Societe Nationale des Bois du Gabon’ by the Special Economic Zone of Gabon (GSEZ).
The ceremony, which took place in the presence of members of the CTRI, the government, the heads of the constituted bodies and international partners of the forestry sector, was marked by the signing of the protocol and its symbolic delivery to the head of state.
According to the presidency, this transfer is part of the policy of regaining Gabon’s economic sovereignty, already illustrated by other initiatives such as the nationalisation of the oil company Assala and the creation of the airline Fly Gabon. It aims to redefine national priorities in the timber sector, ensure transparent management of
forest resources and strengthen local processing and industrialisation.
The presidency specifies that the re-appropriation of the SNBG by the state will also make it possible to capitalise on its expertise, modernise its structure and create new jobs while consolidating Gabon’s leadership in the preservation of biodiversity.
Created in 1976, the SNBG has long been a major player in the timber industry in Gabon, particularly in the trade of Okoume and Ozigo.
After a severe financial crisis between 2011 and 2019, the company is now experiencing a revival, supported by the authorities’ desire to restore and boost national institutions.
AC/fss/as/APA