Afreximbank Reports Gabon’s Infrastructure Spending More Than Doubled to $197m

October 31, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Gabon more than doubled its infrastructure spending commitments to 197 million US dollars in 2025, up from 81 million US dollars a year earlier, as the Central African country steps up investment in roads and industrial infrastructure to support its economic diversification drive, according to a new assessment by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The increase forms part of Gabon's efforts to strengthen domestic connectivity and create the infrastructure needed to expand manufacturing and local processing of its natural resources. Road construction and rehabilitation account for a significant part of the programme, including work on the 166km Kougouleu-Medouneu corridor.

The investment push comes as the government seeks to reduce the economy's dependence on crude oil by expanding activities in mining, timber processing and manufacturing. Gabon is among the world's largest manganese producers, but its exports remain concentrated in crude oil.

The government plans to prohibit raw manganese exports from January 2029, a policy intended to encourage domestic processing and increase the value generated from the country's mineral resources.

Afreximbank's newly released Gabon Country Brief identifies special economic zones as another instrument in the country's industrialisation strategy. The Nkok zone near Libreville is the flagship initiative, while additional zones at Inkolo and Mpassa-Lebombi, alongside a planned site near Port-Gentil, are expected to support investment in timber, mining and logistics.

The infrastructure programme is also receiving support from international lenders. The World Bank signed 150 million US dollars in financing with Gabon in April 2026, according to the brief. The government's National Growth and Development Plan for 2026-2030 identifies macroeconomic stability, infrastructure development and private sector participation as key priorities.

Afreximbank projects Gabon's economy will grow by 3.3 percent in 2026, supported by stronger hydrocarbon receipts, while inflation is forecast at 2.3 percent. The country's total trade in goods and services increased from 9.1 billion US dollars in 2020 to 17.4 billion US dollars in 2024, with the trade balance remaining in surplus throughout the period.

The country, which has an estimated population of 2.7 million, had real GDP per capita of about 8,641 US dollars in 2026, according to the assessment.

The brief also highlights efforts to develop the financial sector, including a December 2025 partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund to modernise digital financial services.

Yemi Kale (PhD), Afreximbank's group chief economist and managing director of research, said Gabon's natural resources, Atlantic location and plans to expand local processing presented opportunities to deepen trade and investment.

He said special economic zones, infrastructure development and increased manganese processing could strengthen industrial capacity, expand value-added exports and diversify economic activity beyond hydrocarbons.

Source: FSX Business News