Gabon seeks Chinese investment for industrialisation
President Oligui Nguema invited Chinese investors to the Nkok special economic zone on November 5, 2026.
Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema urged Chinese investors to develop local processing of raw materials during the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on November 5, 2026. Gabon, the guest of honour, participated with a national pavilion for the first time, aiming to attract industrial partnerships. The president stated that Gabon is a platform for investment to build a new future.
Speaking as the only African president at the opening ceremony, Nguema highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Gabon and the concrete results of their trade agreements. He invited investors to the Nkok special economic zone, describing it as a strategic gateway to Central Africa with 200 million consumers. He also pointed to opportunities in timber, manganese, iron, energy, water, health, digital, and agriculture sectors, noting five million hectares of arable land.
The Gabonese leader presented Gabon as offering political stability, legal security, a new investment code, free profit transfer, and reforms in labour, mining, and petroleum codes. He mentioned the digitalisation of administration, allowing for online company creation in 48 hours. The expo showcased local products and highlighted Gabon's potential in green economy, carbon credits, renewable energy, and pharmacopoeia.
Why it mattersGabonese citizens are affected by the call for investment to create jobs and develop local processing of raw materials.