Gabon’s bold kobé-kobé project to reduce oil dependency

The launch of the Kobé-Kobé deep-water port project marks one of Gabon’s most ambitious undertakings in decades. Designed to anchor the country’s economic diversification away from oil, this sprawling industrial and logistics hub will be powered by the Belinga iron ore deposit, a new railway line, and the upcoming Booué hydroelectric dam. Together, these elements form a strategic ecosystem aimed at boosting local processing of natural resources and reducing reliance on raw material exports.

For decades, Gabon’s economy has relied heavily on petroleum revenues. Now, authorities are shifting focus toward sustainable growth by leveraging the nation’s untapped potential. Kobé-Kobé represents more than just a port—it’s a cornerstone of a new economic model that connects mineral wealth to global markets while maximizing domestic benefits.