Gabon’s New Mining Minister Emphasizes Investment and Diversification. Libreville, Gabon — Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Gabon’s newly appointed Minister of Mines and Geological Resources, has outlined a strategic agenda aimed at transforming the mining sector into a key driver of the country’s economic growth. Appointed by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on January 1, 2026, Minister Nguema Nguema brings a background in environmental engineering and a previous tenure as Minister of Oil and Gas to his new role.
Officials commented on the matter. “We are transitioning from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified one, with mining as a cornerstone.”Minister Nguema Nguema’s 2026 roadmap is centered on transparency, regulatory efficiency, and fostering local transformation.
He emphasizes the nation’s readiness for investment, stating, “Gabon is not just a destination for extraction; we are becoming a hub for industrial value creation.”Gabon’s mining sector currently contributes approximately 6% to the country’s GDP, primarily through its status as the world’s second-largest producer of high-grade manganese.
The government’s Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT) aims to elevate this contribution to 25% by 2030.
To achieve these targets, the state — owned mining company, Société Équatoriale des Mines (SEM), is shifting its focus from a passive shareholder to an active industrial operator. SEM’s 2026–2030 strategy envisions it as a “reference African industrial mining company “with revenue targets of reaching USD 1 billion by 2030.
The Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources is set to expedite permit processes for exploration and mining, and several ministerial decrees are expected to clarify and streamline the implementation of the 2019 Mining Code.
Minister Nguema Nguema will be present at the Mining Indaba, where he will engage with international investors, exploration firms, and infrastructure partners to discuss potential opportunities in Gabon.
The government’s aggressive pro-investment agenda is expected to draw significant attention from the global mining community, as Gabon looks to leverage its mining resources to drive economic diversification and development. Further details regarding the government’s plans and investments are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
