gabon A4

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GABON
a country of opportunities
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Gabon a country of opportunities
Contents
Declaration by His Excellency President Ali Bongo Ondimba
President of the Republic of Gabon
Declaration of President Ali Bongo Ondimba
1
Presentation of Gabon
2
Economic profile of Gabon
3
Gabon Vert
4
Gabon Industriel
5
Gabon des Services
6
A country open to the world
7
Biography of President Ali Bongo Ondimba
8
Contacts
9
Since coming to power in 2009, I have set out an ambitious economic
reform programme to pave the way for future prosperity. We are no
longer in a position to be able to rely on our gas and oil resources alone
as an engine of economic growth. We have to diversify in a sustainable
way. This is the objective of the Gabon Emergent (Emerging Gabon)
programme that is the blueprint for our development.
Gabon Emergent comprises three pillars: Gabon Vert (Green
Gabon), Gabon Industriel (Industrial Gabon), and Gabon des Services
(Services Gabon). We are confident that these three pillars provide a base
from which we can meet our objectives, while also working to a
diversified approach.
Sustainable development is at the core of our approach. As a nation,
our mineral resources and our environment are our main assets, and we
are determined to put into place a development model that is clean and
sustainable, and that can draw on some of this wealth without depleting or weakening it. We are committed to
protecting our environment, and we recently launched a consultation exercise to develop a Climate Plan for Gabon.
This Plan will be developed over the next six months as a basis from which our country will work towards sustainable
development together with the participation of the citizens of Gabon, the private and the public sectors.
We are not looking for quick-fix solutions or short-term returns on investments. We are interested in establishing
strategic partnerships through which we will be able to use the right technology and meet the needs of the market.
We are leading the way forward in our emphasis on sustainable development, and a crucial aspect of this is
increasing added value to our primary materials. We are committed to ensuring that these materials are processed
in Gabon rather than being exported straight to other markets. Our resources include manganese, timber, iron ore,
and diamonds and many others. We have already begun projects that further our goals in the timber and
manganese sectors. We will continue to do likewise in others.
My vision for Gabon’s development is clear. My Government is dedicated to implementing this vision, and we
remain determined to drive reform and to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with responsible investors.
I believe that there are good reasons to invest in Gabon. We aim, above all, to create an environment in which the
question is no longer "Why invest in Gabon?" but indeed "Why not invest in Gabon?"
Gabon is open for business, and is open to all.
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Gabon a country of opportunities
Presentation of Gabon
Economic profile of Gabon
Geography
Gabon is a country in Central African bordered to the North by Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, to the East and
South by the Congo and by the Atlantic Ocean to the West. Its territory covers an area of 267,668 km2, and the
equator runs through it. 85% of Gabon is covered by equatorial forest. Gabon is made up three main landscapes:
the coastal plains, the mountainous interior, and the inland savanna.
Ambitions for the future: Gabon Emergent
Since the election of President Ali Bongo Ondimba in September 2009, Gabon has entered an era of change that
is the result of an ambitious policy of political reform. For some time, Gabon has been dependent on the export of
primary materials. Today, Gabon is committed to diversifying its economy and becoming an emerging economic
power by 2025via its sustainable development strategy referred to as Gabon Emergent. This strategy is based on
three pillars:
It has an equatorial climate that is hot and humid, alternating between two dry seasons and two rainy seasons.
The average temperature is 26°C.
Population
In 2010, Gabon's population was estimated at 1.5 million inhabitants, comprising some sixty ethnic groups including
the Fangs, who account for 35% of the population. The population is concentrated in major conglomerations
including Libreville (the political capital), Port-Gentil (the economic capital) and the urban area surrounding
Franceville. Some parts of the country are virtually uninhabited.
Libreville, the capital, has over 500,000 inhabitants, with 200,000 in Port Gentil, and 100,000 in Franceville.
The political structure
Gabon is a democratic republic with a semi-presidential form of government. The President, His Excellency Ali
Bongo Ondimba, is the Head of State, and the Prime Minister Mr Paul Biyoghe Mba the Head of Government.
Legislative power is shared between the two Houses of Parliament: the National Assembly and the Senate. Gabon
is well known for its high level of political stability, and has always played an important mediation role in central
Africa.
Key facts
• Surface area: 267,667 km²
• Date of independence: 1960
• Capital: Libreville (home to a third of the population)
• Main cities: Port-Gentil, Franceville, Oyem, Lambaréné
• Population: 1,520,000
• Population growth: 1.8%
• Life expectancy: 57 years
• Literacy rate: 84%
• Percentage of children in full-time education: 72.4%
• Human Development Index (HDI) world ranking 2010: 93 out of 169
• Official language: French
• Religion: 55% Christian, 40% animist, 1% Muslim
• Currency: CFA Franc – indexed to the Euro (1 EUR = 655.957 XAF)
• GDP distribution: primary sector 5.7%; secondary 64.1%; tertiary 30.2%
• Natural resources: oil, gas, timber, manganese, iron ore, gold
• Forest: over 85% (22 million hectares) of Gabonese territory is covered by forest
• 13 National Parks: over 10% of the territory is dedicated to the preservation of Gabon’s ecosystems. Gabon is
number two in the world in terms of percentage of protected surface area, behind Costa Rica.
• Carbon sinks: The Congo basin is the 2ndlargest carbon sink in the world, right behind the Amazon, capturing
over 70 million tons of CO2 per year.
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• Gabon Vert to develop, in a sustainable manner, Gabon’s extraordinary ecosystems - 22 million hectares of
forest, 1 million hectares of arable agricultural land, 13 national parks, 800 kilometres of coastline – by making
use of its timber, agriculture and eco-tourism industries.
• Gabon Industriel to promote the local development of primary materials, the export of products with high
added value, and the diversification of the national economy.
• Gabon des Services to develop Gabon’s human resources with a view to becoming a regional benchmark for
financial services, new information technology resources, jobs in the green economy, higher education and
health services.
Economic context
The first effects of the Gabon Emergent initiative can already be felt. In 2009, the country suffered as a result of
reduced demand for oil and saw negative growth (-1.4%). This quickly bounced back to 4.5% in 2010 thanks to
a pro-active set of policies that focused on public investment, a resurgence of mining activity, and a significant
growth in foreign direct investment. This trend is set to continue in 2011 with GDP growth estimated by the IMF
at +5%.
Growth indicators
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
GDP (USD in billions)
14.45
11
12.56
13.47e
14.36e
GDP (annual variation as a %age, comparable price)
2.7
-1.4
4.5
5.0e
3.5e
GDP per inhabitant (USD)
10
7.47
8.395 8.8762e
9.319e
Inflation rate (%)
5.3
2.1
3
3.5e
3.5e
Current account balance (USD in billions)
3.1
1.28
0.28
0.34
0.34
21.3
11.6
2.1
2.3
2.1
Current account balance (as a percentage of GDP)
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook Database, World Bank
Note: e: estimated figures
Trade profile
Foreign trade accounts for 85% of the country's GDP and is characterised by a structurally surplus trade balance
where exports mainly comprise oil (80%), manganese, and timber.
Gabon's main trading partners are the USA, the EU and CEMAC (The Economic and Monetary Community of
Central Africa).
Gabon's main export markets are the USA (69%) and China (8.6%). France is Gabon's main country of import,
with a 35% market share.
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Gabon a country of opportunities
Gabon Vert: sustainable development and development of ecosystems
Gabon Industriel: developing raw materials locally
The challenge for Gabon Vert is to position itself as a pioneer in one of the 21st century's major challenges: the
global drive to preserve the environment and to fight global warming.
The Gabon Industriel pillar sets out to promote the local development of raw materials, the export of products with
high added value, and the diversification of the national economy.
The Gabon Vert pillar is based on developing the “green oil” that Gabon ecosystem provides: 22 million hectares
of forest, 1 million hectares of arable agricultural land and over 800 kilometres of coastline. Development projects
are must involve sustainably developing natural resources and adhering to national ecological standards.
Gabon has long been dependent on oil and gas as its main source of revenue. The country is presently the third
largest producer of oil in Africa and has about 30 oilfields in production. Gabon is mindful of the limited lifespan
of this resource, and is keen to pursue the pro-active and sustainable development of other sources of natural
wealth.
National Parks, forestry, ecotourism and agriculture are all elements of the main paths to implement the Gabon
Vert strategy. Diversifying sources of growth and sustainable development will be achieved through:
Environmental Protection
The country is situated in 9th position amongst African countries in the 2010 Environmental Performance Index.
One of the top priorities of Gabon Emergent is sustainable forest management. Gabon has adopted an ambitious
policy to reduce CO2 emissions linked to deforestation and forest degradation by 20 million tons of CO2 a year,
the aim being to reach 50 million tons in 2015. A national climate plan is being drawn up.
The timber industry
The aim is to process timber entirely at the local level by way of a dynamic artisanal industry and to add high added
value to the sector before goods are exported. The timber industry is the top private sector employer employing
28% of the active population, and furthermore carries significant potential for further growth.
Ecotourism
The aim is to develop this sector with a view to opening up the country's natural and cultural wealth whilst
improving the living conditions of the local population at the same time. Gabon aims to attract 100,000 tourists a
year in the middle and top of the range segments of the industry by 2020.
Agriculture
In 2010, Gabon launched the National Food Security Programme over a 5 year period, which will enable the country
to achieve food self-sufficiency. The sector currently employs about 35% of the population even though it
contributes to just 5% of GDP. The government is aiming for a situation whereby agriculture contributes to 20%
of GDP. A 236 million USD contract was signed in 2010 with the Singapore multinational Olam to develop 50,000
hectares of palm groves. The aim is eventually to develop 300,000 hectares of palm groves and to become the top
producer of palm oil in Africa.
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Mining resources
As well as enjoying large reserves of oil and gas, Gabon is also rich in manganese and is the world’s second-largest
producer of manganese. The country also has iron ore resources that are estimated to amount to nearly 1 billion
tons as well as reserves of gold, diamond, lead/zinc, niobium and phosphates, potassium salts and magnesium.
Explorations have revealed the existence of over 900 sites with the potential for mineral operations. The aim is to
increase mining operations, to add as much value on-site as possible to these mining resources, and to enhance
the economic development of the regions where these sites are being developed.
The current mining code is being revised so as to make mining more attractive to investors.
Energy
In order to support the plans for national industrialisation, the government of Gabon has set itself the target of
taking its energy production capacity from 374 megawatts at present to over 2,000 megawatts in 2020. This target
will be reached via considerable investment in the production of natural gas and hydroelectricity, as well as through
the development of renewable energy. The aim is to progressively cut back on the production of electricity from
fossil fuels and to reach the targets set out in the Gabon Vert policy. Three hydroelectric dams and a gas power
plant are presently being built.
The economic zones
In order to provide Gabon with an industrial base that delivers real added value and creates jobs, the state has
made the decision to create economic and special economic zones that will facilitate the emergence of new
economic growth zones across the country that will act as a magnet for investors. Two zones are presently being
launched: The Special Economic Zone of Nkok with 1,100 hectares mostly dedicated to the timber industry close
to the capital Libreville, and the special tax concession zone of the island of Mandji, right beside the economic
capital of Gabon, Port-Gentil, with a surface area of 1,500 hectares.
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Gabon Des Services: developing human resources and infrastructure
A Country That Is Open To The World
The Gabon des Services pillar focuses on developing Gabon’s human resources. Gabon aims to become a regional
benchmark for sectors such as financial services, new information technology resources, service jobs linked to the
green economy, and the specialist areas of health and higher education.
Regional integration
Gabon is a member of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa(CEMAC). This regional
organisation was created in 1974 and includes Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic,
Chad, and Equatorial Guinea. CEMAC aims to maintain peace, security and stability in the area as well as working
towards the integration of its members by progressively lowering trade barriers.
In order to reach this goal, Gabon needs to develop its transport infrastructure and its telecommunications, as well
as improve living conditions for the country’s people in relation to health, education and access to housing.
Transport
Developing transport infrastructure is a strategic part of the process of the development of Gabon Emergent.
• The road network: 3,663 km of roads, representing 30% of the roads network, is to be asphalted so that 80%
of the national traffic of people and goods can benefit from these new transport routes.
• Port infrastructure: Gabon is launching a massive modernisation and construction drive that will cater for 90%
of commercial traffic.
• Airport infrastructure: a new international airport will be built to handle a growth in air traffic and to stake
Libreville's claim as a regional air traffic hub.
Telecommunications
Since May 2002, Libreville has been linked to the submarine SAT3 cable system (fibre optics) linking Africa to Europe.
In 2008, 39.5% of the population had a mobile telephone that was connected to a GSM network. ICT networks
enjoy a 44.37% penetration rate. Gabon is aiming to strengthen the digital economy and to develop the service
sector linked to Information and Communication Technologies. From 2012 onwards, Gabon will have access to
broadband when it is linked to the submarine ACE fibre-optic system.
Urban policy
In order to ensure that everyone in Gabon enjoys a decent standard of living and housing, 5,000 new homes a
year will be built throughout Gabon from 2011 onwards. Urban networks will be strengthened and new
infrastructures and new transport routes will be created to link zones of economic and industrial activity. Public
transport will also be developed, and green spaces and leisure areas will be built in towns.
Education and health
Economic and social development is based on enhancing knowledge and training for young people, who are at
the centre of President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s agenda for social development. The state is committed to making
high quality training available to the young people of Gabon, training that will enable them to improve their quality
of life and that will underpin the country's strengths. The goal is, in particular, to encourage high level research
and to develop an outstanding public health system. A special economic zone for higher education is being
developed, and a research and development fund is being put together for research institutes and laboratories and
public and private research bodies.
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International peace and security
Gabon has long been recognised for its strategic role in the promotion of peace and stability in Africa. President
Ali Bongo Ondimba is keen for Gabon to play a strategic part at international and at pan-African level, particularly
in working with the African Union and the United Nations.
In January 2010, Gabon became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a period of 2 years.
Gabon held the presidency of the Security Council in March 2010 and will do so again in June 2011. On March 2
2011, a regional UN bureau for peacekeeping and conflict prevention in central Africa was opened in Libreville.
Environmental issues
Gabon plays a key role in the safekeeping of the Congo Basin forest. In 2002, President Omar Bongo Ondimba
made the decision to classify 11% of the country’s land as a protected zone, which led to the creation of 13 national
parks. In 2005, le Gabon was 12th worldwide and 1st in Africa in Yale University's sustainable ecological
development index. At the Copenhagen climate change conference in December 2009, President Ali Bongo
Ondimba put himself forward as a leading voice for environmental protection by actively participating in the
negotiations right up to the final round. He has also committed himself to implementing a climate plan for Gabon
and work began on this in 2010. In September 2010, President Ali Bongo Ondimba was designated spokesman
for the African position on biodiversity at the end of the Libreville pan-African Conference.
Diversifying partnerships
President Ali Bongo Ondimba is keen to lead Gabon through real change and modernisation. Significant economic
and political reforms have been set in motion in order for Gabon to become a top destination for foreign investors.
While Gabon and France may have worked very closely together for some time, President Ali Bongo Ondimba and
President Nicolas Sarkozy made a joint declaration when the French President visited Libreville in February 2010 to
the effect that this semi-exclusivity was at an end.
The opening up of the country became a reality when nearly four billion USD worth of direct investment was
announced in 2010 in the form of contracts being signed with companies from the USA, Asia and Europe.
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Gabon a country of opportunities
Biography of His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba
President of The Republic Of Gabon
For more information on Emergent Gabon, please visit the following websites:
www.presidentalibongo.com
Ali Bongo Ondimba entered political life in Gabon in 1981. He was Minister of Foreign Affairs between
1989 and 1991, and then became a member of the National Assembly before going on to become
Defence Minister from 1999 to 2009. In July 2009, he was chosen as the official candidate for the Gabon
Democratic Party (PDG) for the presidential election due to take place following the death of the Head
of State. He was elected President of the Republic of Gabon on August 30 2009 and took the presidential
oath on October 16 2009.
Ali Bongo Ondimba, son of the late President Omar Bongo Ondimba and Patience Dabany, was born in Brazzaville
on 9th February 1959. He left Gabon in 1965 to follow his primary and secondary education in France. After his
baccalauréat [French secondary school leaving certificate] he studied law at the University of Paris PanthéonSorbonne and obtained his doctorate in law specialising in public law.
www.gabon-vert.com
www.gabon-industriel.com
www.gabon-services.com
For further information, please contact us via:
cocom.rggov.org
Once his studies were over, he entered the Presidential Cabinet and became the Head of State's Personal
Representative, then his High Representative. He campaigned actively in the PDG from 1981 and was elected to its
Central Committee, going on to be part of the Political Bureau in 1984 as Representative of the party’s founding
Secretary-General. He was then elected to the Political Bureau in 1986 at a Party congress where he led the reformist
wing.
In 1989, he was named Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation. He put himself forward as a PDG candidate
at the 1990 Parliamentary elections, the first ballot to have been organised after the return of multi-party politics
in Gabon. He was elected in the province of Haut-Ogooué and became a Deputy in the National Assembly.
Around this time, he became head of the Higher Council of Islamic Affairs of Gabon (CSAIG) in 1996, and in
December that same year he was re-elected Deputy for the Haut-Ogooué province.
After spending over seven years as a member of parliament, Ali Bongo Ondimba made his return to the government
in 1999 as Minister for National Defence. He then took the initiative on a number of projects: he created the
Prytanée militaire military school dedicated to training future military recruits, he set up the Army teaching hospital,
he set up a performance structure in the public health sector that was also open to the civilian population and
introduced a number of provisions that improved conditions in the military. This included carrying out an overhaul
of military equipment, strengthening defence capabilities, building new barracks and improving day-to-day life in
the military.
Ali Bongo Ondimba ran in the presidential elections of 30th August 2009 as the PDG nominee and was elected
President of Gabon, taking the presidential oath on 16th October the same year. Since being sworn in, he has
launched a number of large-scale economic and infrastructure projects as well as a series of political and
administrative reforms, all with a view to turning Gabon into an emerging economy.
President Ali Bongo Ondimba is married to Sylvia Bongo Ondimba and is father to four children: one daughter,
Malika, and three sons, Noureddine, Jalil and Bilal, the latter adopted by the couple. He is a keen historian and
nurtures two great passions, football and music. He is particularly fond of classical music, jazz and bossa nova and
has even composed some musical pieces himself, including music for the trailer for the film Orega directed by
Marcel Sanja.
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Gabon a country of opportunities
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