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Gabon and France have signed three strategic agreements to strengthen political and economic cooperation between the two countries during Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema’s state visit to France on Monday.
Nguema’s office said in a statement on Tuesday that the deal will help “generate greater added value within the country, support its industrialisation and boost the competitiveness of the national economy.”
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Oligui Nguema to the Élysée Palace, where discussions focused on expanding ties between the two nations.
A key agreement centred on manganese production, with French mining company Eramet and the Gabonese government signing an initial memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The agreement outlines plans to process up to 700 kilotons of manganese ore annually in Gabon by the end of 2031.
Other agreements signed during the visit cover security, water and energy sectors.
The agreements mark a new stage in Franco-Gabonese relations, “focused on concrete results that are tangible for the people,” the statement added.
More deals are expected during Oligui Nguema’s visit, especially on manganese production.
Gabon has set a January 2029 deadline for all manganese ore to be processed before export, while France is seeking more time to develop the infrastructure needed to meet the target.
