Gabon has signed three memoranda of understanding with the United Arab Emirates covering the mining, digital technology and logistics sectors, as President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema seeks to accelerate economic reforms and attract foreign investment to the Central African nation.
The agreements were concluded during President Oligui Nguema’s official visit to Abu Dhabi and were announced by the presidency on Friday, February 6, 2025. Officials say the deals are part of a broader strategy to diversify Gabon’s economy, create local value and improve the country’s competitiveness at a time of mounting fiscal and financing pressures.
One of the memoranda focuses on cooperation in gold mining, targeting the exploration, development and commercialization of deposits in Gabon’s mineral-rich regions. While Gabon is best known as an oil producer, the government has increasingly emphasized mining as a key pillar of economic diversification, alongside manganese, timber and agriculture.
Authorities believe the mining agreement will help unlock underdeveloped resources, boost export revenues and support job creation, particularly in rural areas. However, analysts note that translating exploration deals into production will depend on regulatory clarity, infrastructure development and the government’s ability to reassure investors on contract stability.
In the digital sector, Gabon renewed its partnership with Presight, a subsidiary of the UAE-based artificial intelligence firm G42. The agreement is aimed at modernizing public administration and improving the delivery of key government services through the use of artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and big-data technologies.
According to the presidency, the digital cooperation will support areas such as e-government services, data-driven decision-making and administrative efficiency. The government hopes the initiative will enhance transparency, reduce bottlenecks in public service delivery and strengthen institutional capacity.
Digital transformation has become a priority for several African governments seeking to improve governance and attract private investment. In Gabon’s case, officials say the use of AI-driven solutions could help streamline processes in revenue collection, urban management and public planning.
The third memorandum of understanding focuses on logistics and port infrastructure. It provides for strategic cooperation to develop and modernize Gabon’s ports, improve operational performance and enhance supply chain efficiency. The initiative is expected to strengthen the country’s position as a logistics gateway for Central Africa and support trade flows in the region.
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Ports play a critical role in Gabon’s economy, particularly for exports of oil, manganese and timber. Improving port efficiency could help lower transport costs, reduce delays and improve the competitiveness of Gabonese exports, while also supporting regional trade integration.
The agreements come as Gabon continues to grapple with economic and financial challenges. Despite its natural resource wealth, the country remains financially fragile, facing persistent difficulties in securing sustainable financing and strengthening its banking system.
Gabon’s public finances have been strained by years of weak fiscal management and high debt levels. The country has accumulated arrears to both official and private creditors, undermining investor confidence and limiting access to new funding, particularly from institutional lenders such as development finance institutions.
Since taking power following the 2023 military coup, President Oligui Nguema has pledged to restore fiscal discipline, improve governance and revive economic growth. His administration has sought to reassure international partners and investors while pursuing reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy.
Observers say the agreements with the UAE reflect Gabon’s efforts to deepen ties with Gulf partners, who have emerged as significant investors across Africa in sectors ranging from energy and mining to logistics and digital infrastructure.
While the memoranda signal intent rather than binding investment commitments, officials say they provide a framework for future projects that could help unlock capital, improve infrastructure and support long-term growth.
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For Gabon, the success of these partnerships will ultimately depend on effective implementation, policy consistency and the government’s ability to address underlying fiscal and financial vulnerabilities. If executed successfully, the deals could mark an important step in the country’s push to reposition itself as a more diversified and investor-friendly economy.
