Gabon Economic Forum: building a stronger private sector through dialogue
The Palais des Congrès served as the backdrop for the launch of the second Gabon Economic Forum (GEF) this Saturday, June 27, 2026. This significant gathering brings together international partners and key decision-makers to tackle the economic challenges facing Gabon.
Alain Claude Kouakoua, President of the Fédération des entreprises du Gabon (FEG), articulated a clear vision for the future. He emphasized that the FEG must evolve beyond simply defending businesses to actively ensuring their success. For Kouakoua, strong enterprises are not just participants in the economy; they are the primary engines that drive national development.
The government’s stance was represented by Vice-President Hugues Alexandre Barro Chambrier, who highlighted the essential partnership between the state and the private sector. He pledged that the government would fulfill its role by cleaning up public finances, which will allow for the timely settlement of payments owed to private companies.
This commitment is part of a larger ambition to transform the national landscape into a diversified economy. The goal is to move away from a heavy reliance on raw materials and shift toward increased industrialization. The forum underscores the importance of robust dialogue in achieving Gabon’s long-term economic prosperity.