Libreville, Tuesday, June 30, 2026 — Gabon is determined to turn its remarkable biodiversity into a powerful economic engine. By unveiling a new national strategy for sustainable tourism and craftsmanship, the government is launching an ambitious initiative that extends well beyond the travel sector.
This roadmap outlines a fresh vision for national development, centered on valuing natural capital, generating employment, and diversifying an economy that remains heavily reliant on extractive industries. At the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville, high-ranking officials, technical partners, diplomats, and private sector representatives gathered for the official presentation of a strategic document designed to redefine tourism’s role in the Gabonese economy. As traditional economic models face limitations and the global ecological transition intensifies, Gabon intends to utilize its forests, national parks, and cultural heritage as assets for long-term growth.
The Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Craftsmanship, Pr Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, set the stage by noting that tourism is not merely an economic activity. She described it as a vital tool for territorial development, a showcase for national identity, and a significant investment lever capable of permanently transforming local regions.
71 projects to scale up the sector
The government’s ambition is rooted in a clear observation: despite international recognition of its potential, the Gabonese tourism sector has never fully capitalized on its strengths. Diagnostics shared during the event highlighted institutional, legal, and organizational gaps that have hindered the rise of a true tourism industry for decades.
To change this trajectory, the strategy outlines 71 priority projects. Planned investments focus on modernizing infrastructure, enhancing sectoral governance, professionalizing operators, developing ecotourism circuits, and promoting historical and artisanal heritage. The objective is to significantly increase tourism’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product while maintaining the ecological integrity that makes the country unique.
In a continent where many nations seek to convert natural wealth into economic opportunities, Gabon holds a rare competitive edge. Over 88% of its territory is forested, and its national parks are among the most pristine in Africa. Its diverse wildlife and landscapes represent a global heritage whose economic value remains largely untapped.
An integrated approach to growth
The success of this strategy depends on a critical factor: the coordination of public action. Minister of Industry Lubin Ntoutoume stressed that no single ministry can meet this challenge alone. Developing tourism naturally involves infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, land planning, and vocational training.
This integrated methodology reflects a significant shift in economic governance. Tourism is no longer seen as a peripheral sector but as a catalyst capable of driving multiple industries simultaneously, sparking private investment, and creating jobs in areas far from major urban centers. Craftsmanship also plays a strategic role in this vision, preserving cultural expertise while providing income for thousands of families.
Moving into the operational phase
The appointment of actress and producer Nelly Obono as the face of the national tourism caravan, alongside the contribution of artist Annie Flore, who offered her song “Je t’invite” for promotional use, highlights the effort to involve cultural figures in this movement. However, beyond these gestures, the focus is now on execution. Vice-President Alexandre Barro Chambrier urged all administrations, local authorities, and economic operators to embrace this strategy to make it a tangible reality.
The formal handover of the strategic document and the immediate announcement of a team dedicated to its implementation mark the transition from planning to action. The third edition of the National Tourism Caravan, scheduled from July 17 to September 6, will serve as the first major test of this new policy.
For Gabon, the challenge extends beyond tourism development. It is an opportunity to prove that a nation can turn environmental protection into a source of prosperity. In a world searching for sustainable economic models, this strategy could position the country as one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for the green economy.