Libreville, Gabon — Official statements indicate that Gabon will seek to recruit 1 500 young harvesters for an upcoming palm-oil project in all nine provinces, ministries and the agribusiness firm Olam Palm Gabon announced on 6 February.
The announcement came during a joint press briefing attended by officials from the ministries of Labour, Agriculture and Youth Entrepreneurship, together with the state employment agency PNPE and Olam Palm Gabon.
According to local reports, the drive will target citizens aged 18 to 45 with no gender restriction, beginning with medical checks followed by two-to-three-week training courses.
Officials said improved housing, on — site catering and job-linked medical care will be provided throughout the first month of work, reflecting previous commitments made by Olam Palm Gabon after earlier labour-rights complaints over living conditions on its plantations.
The Singapore — headquartered group, which holds a 40 % stake in the joint venture with the Gabonese state (60 %), has operated in the country since 2010 under a public-private partnership aimed at cutting edible-oil imports.
The government has not released a start date, contract framework or location list for the 1 500 posts.
Independent observers say Gabon’s youth unemployment rate hovers around 35 %, and recent public hiring initiatives have often faced delays. No further details were immediately available on pay scales or the length of employment offered.
Further updates are expected once candidates begin the medical screening phase.
*Additional reporting by ImNews*
