Gabon’s kobe-kobe deep-water port: a game-changer for economy and logistics

Gabon’s ambitious economic transformation is taking shape with the Kobe-Kobe deep-water port project, a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to become Central Africa’s leading mining and industrial hub by 2030. Less than two months after finalizing a landmark agreement with Africa Global Logistics (AGL), the government is prioritizing large-scale infrastructure development to drive sustainable growth.

The project’s first major milestone was marked on Monday, June 8, 2026, when President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema laid the foundation stone for the deep-water port. This initiative is far more than a construction site—it’s a blueprint for economic sovereignty, integrating mining, logistics, and industrial transformation across the country.

At the heart of the Kobe-Kobe port complex will be a mineral terminal, a multipurpose and mineral quay, a dedicated railway loop, residential zones, cargo storage facilities, and administrative offices. By fostering collaboration between international partners from all continents, Gabon aims to localize raw material production and reduce reliance on foreign imports. “This project demands collective effort and measurable outcomes from every stakeholder,” emphasized the Head of State during the ceremony.

The minister of Transport and Merchant Marine, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, highlighted the project’s broader vision: “We are not just building infrastructure—we are laying the groundwork for a new development model centered on industrialization, local value creation, and territorial integration. The goal is clear: positioning Gabon as a key logistics player and strategic hub in Central Africa.”

AGL’s director-general, Philippe Labone, confirmed that the port’s operations will commence in April 2031, positioning Kobe-Kobe among the top five mining projects worldwide. The accompanying railway corridor, stretching over 550 km, will connect production sites to the port in just eight hours, streamlining trade and boosting efficiency.

Preparations are already underway, including workforce training programs to equip young Gabonese professionals with the skills needed for this economic leap. The project is expected to generate over 100,000 jobs, increase the GDP by more than 50%, and generate annual trade worth over $10 billion.