Gabon Economic Forum: Competitiveness Challenges and Transformation Goals Discussed BODY: LIBREVILLE, Gabon – At the Gabon Economic Forum, held in Libreville on June 28, 2026, key figures from Gabon’s business and financial sectors gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities for economic transformation.
The forum, organized by the private sector, marked a shift towards a more dynamic and private enterprise — driven economic strategy. Officials commented on the matter. Participants, including COMILOG’s Léopold Batolo, BGFIBank Gabon’s Dimitri Djebi, and entrepreneur Patrick-Duffie Bibang, engaged in a panel discussion on the economic landscape of Gabon.
Batolo highlighted the importance of competitiveness and transportation as key challenges in the transformation of local production. He noted that the fluvial route remains the most cost-effective means of transport in the mining sector. Djebi emphasized the stability of investment security through guarantee mechanisms in the banking sector.
Bibang, however, argued that the real barrier was not resources or financing, but rather the lack of trust in deadlines, rules, and the ability to finance growth. To remain competitive in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, Bibang emphasized the need for certification, which serves as a commercial passport, and the establishment of win-win partnerships. Batolo shared an innovation within COMILOG, currently working towards obtaining certification from The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).
The forum also highlighted the role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in organizing a training workshop for economic operators in Mouila, Gabon.
The event aimed to foster a sustainable transformation of the economy, with a focus on strategic sectors, local resource transformation, and public finance reform. Despite the optimism, challenges remain, including governance, infrastructure, and the rule of law. Gabon, with its abundant natural resources and strategic location, has the potential to become a hub for regional economic activities, but must address these issues to fully capitalize on opportunities.
The Gabon Economic Forum 2026 serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to economic transformation, with the private sector taking the lead in addressing the nation’s challenges and fostering a more prosperous and inclusive future for all citizens.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
