On September 30, 2026, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema convened an important meeting at the Palais Rénovation to discuss the Belinga project, a top priority for his administration and a cornerstone of Gabon's national economy. The meeting was attended by the head of Fortescue, along with a large delegation of stakeholders involved in the project's implementation. The President stressed that it is time for the project to transition from announcements to concrete realizations, in line with commitments and announced deadlines.
The Belinga project, which has been on the drawing board for six decades, aims to become an integrated project with four major components: mining, a mineral railway, port infrastructure, and energy production. During the meeting, Fortescue reaffirmed its commitment to the project and presented models of achievements in the mining, railway, port, and energy sectors, as well as initiatives in training and skills development. President Oligui Nguema urged all partners to advance the different components of the project in a simultaneous and coordinated manner.
The President emphasized that the exploitation of the Belinga deposit cannot be separated from the necessary railway, port, and energy infrastructure for its development. Prior to the meeting, he officially handed over the land title to Fortescue for the construction of its headquarters, allowing the company to strengthen its operational presence in Gabon. This move is expected to create jobs and opportunities for Gabon's youth and promote the growth of national businesses.
In line with the government's expectations, President Oligui Nguema reiterated that national competencies must progressively occupy technical, operational, and management positions generated by the project. He envisions Belinga as a genuine employment and opportunity hub for the youth, while fostering the growth of Gabonese enterprises, developing subcontracting, and emerging new economic activities in the concerned territories.
The meeting with Fortescue comes after a series of recent developments in Gabon's economic and infrastructure sectors. The government has been actively working on various projects, including the Transgabonaise highway, the energy sector, and the development of a national strategy for artificial intelligence. These initiatives aim to boost the country's economic growth and improve the living standards of its citizens.
As Gabon prepares for its participation in the 2030 Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following its involvement in the 2025 Universal Exposition in Osaka, Japan, the Belinga project is expected to play a significant role in the country's economic development. With the President's renewed emphasis on concrete progress, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the project's implementation and its potential impact on Gabon's economy.
Key points
- President Oligui Nguema emphasizes the need for concrete progress on the Belinga project.
- The project aims to become an integrated development with four major components.
- National competencies must progressively occupy technical and operational positions generated by the project.
