Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema attended the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where he showcased his country's economic potential and investment opportunities to foreign partners. The event's opening ceremony was also attended by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. In his speech, Oligui Nguema highlighted Gabon's relations with China and invited international investors to explore opportunities in the Gabonese market.
During his address, Oligui Nguema emphasized Gabon's special economic zones, such as the Nkok Special Economic Zone, and the country's new investment code. He also mentioned the ease of transferring profits, the possibility of creating companies online within 48 hours, and recent reforms in the labor, mining, and hydrocarbon sectors. These developments aim to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.
The Gabonese president presented his country as a gateway to a market of approximately 200 million consumers in Central Africa. He highlighted various sectors open to foreign investment, including wood, manganese, iron ore, energy, water, healthcare, digital technology, and agriculture. Gabon has around 5 million hectares of arable land available for investment, offering opportunities for economic development.
The CIIE participation is part of Gabon's efforts to transform its economic model from exporting raw materials to a more diversified economy focused on local processing, job creation, and added value. The promotion of the "Made in Gabon" label in China, which has removed tariffs on African products since May 1, 2026, is a key aspect of this strategy. This aims to increase Gabon's presence in the Chinese market.
Following the ceremony, President Oligui Nguema visited the Gabonese pavilion and various exhibition spaces dedicated to new technologies, energy, agriculture, and industry. The Gabonese pavilion, coordinated by the Commissariat général aux expositions and the Agence nationale de promotion des investissements (ANPI), showcases the country's wood essences, biodiversity, and local products under the theme "Gabon, land of opportunities, transformation, and shared future partner".
This was the first time Gabon participated in the CIIE with a national pavilion. President Oligui Nguema was the sole African president to speak at the event, which drew 4,142 exhibitors from various countries. The CIIE provides a platform for countries to promote their investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties with China and other participating nations.
The Gabonese delegation's participation in the CIIE reflects the country's commitment to enhancing its economic cooperation with China and other international partners. By showcasing its investment potential and economic opportunities, Gabon aims to attract foreign investment and promote sustainable economic growth. The country's engagement in the CIIE is expected to yield positive outcomes for its economic development.
Key points
- President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema presented Gabon's investment opportunities at the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
- Gabon aims to transform its economic model from exporting raw materials to a more diversified economy focused on local processing and job creation.
- The country has around 5 million hectares of arable land available for investment, offering opportunities for economic development.
