During its official visit to Abu Dhabi, Gabon took a major step in its economic transformation and diversification strategy by forging three significant partnerships with key players in the United Arab Emirates. These agreements, signed on February 7, 2026, cover essential sectors such as mining, digital technology, and logistics, and are part of a broader cooperation dynamic between Libreville and the Emirati capital.
1. Mining & Gold: Leveraging Gabonese Resources
The first memorandum of understanding concerns the mining sector, particularly gold mining. It was signed by the Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, and ADMOG GOLD, a company based in the United Arab Emirates and headed by Omar El-Alfi.
This partnership aims to explore, develop, and market Gabonese gold, a sector with significant potential that remains undervalued locally. The strategic objective is clear: to create added value locally, improve transparency in mining operations, and attract responsible foreign investment.
2. Digital: Boosting Digital Transformation
The second agreement, negotiated by Mark Alexandre Doumba, Minister of Digital Economy, was concluded with Presight, a subsidiary of the Emirati group G42, represented by Thana Pramotedham.
This partnership intends to support the Gabonese government in its digital transition by leveraging advanced technologies such as:
- artificial intelligence
- data analytics
- big data
The objective: to modernize public administration, strengthen the efficiency of strategic government services, and establish greater digital sovereignty for Gabon.
At the heart of this project lies the ambition to make digital technology a pillar of Gabonese socio-economic development – a priority for the authorities who see digital technology as a driver of growth and innovation.
3. Logistics & Ports: A New Dynamic for Trade
The third memorandum was signed by Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, Minister of Transport, Merchant Marine, and Logistics, with Abu Dhabi Ports Company P.J.S.C., represented by Mohammed Eidha Tannaf Al Menhali.
This entity is a leading port and logistics operator with a presence on several continents. The partnership aims to develop integrated solutions in ports, logistics, and trade corridors, opening up opportunities for modernizing Gabonese infrastructure, facilitating international trade, and integrating into global supply chains.
A Turning Point in Bilateral Relations
These agreements are not isolated. These agreements are accompanied by a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the two countries, aimed at strengthening trade, eliminating tariff barriers, and facilitating investment, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, services, and logistics.
According to Emirati authorities, this CEPA is intended to be a lever for accelerating economic growth and structuring sustainable cooperation between the two nations, while supporting Gabonese and Emirati companies in their regional and international ambitions.
Why are these agreements important?
These partnerships come at a time when Gabon is actively seeking to diversify its economy, traditionally dominated by the oil sector. By opening itself up to strategic collaborations with international partners like the United Arab Emirates, Libreville is demonstrating its commitment to attracting transformative investments, strengthening its logistics, digital, and industrial capacities, and creating sustainable jobs for its population.
For Abu Dhabi, this rapprochement reflects a broader ambition to strengthen its economic presence in Africa, secure essential resources and develop commercial synergies with rapidly growing markets.
