Gabon’s stock of FDI showed an increase , totaling to USD 10.3 billion in 2018, representing 60.7% of the country's GDP. Traditionally, the oil and mining sectors were the main destinations of FDI in the country, however, recently the agrifood and infrastructure sectors have received the largest FDI flows, notably from the Singaporean Olam group. China is increasingly present in the country, as illustrated by the recent EUR 180 million investment of Chinese energy firm TBEA in a hydropower project, and the USD 50-100 million progressive investment by Jiangsu Wanlin Modern Logistics Co. in the construction of a high-quality furniture factory in Libreville.
Morocco is also a major investor in the country, with companies investing in the service sector, mining, infrastructure and construction. France has historically had a predominant place in the FDI stock of Gabon as hundreds of French companies have established branches in various sectors: oil exploitation, mining, timber, agribusiness, building and civil engineering works, financial services, water and electricity concessions, etc.
The government is actively trying to attract FDI. Its development strategy (Plan Stratégique Gabon Emergent – PSGE) aims at developing Gabon into an emerging economy by 2025 by diversifying the country and transforming Gabon into an internationally competitive investment destination. The plan calls for increased public and private investment, modernised infrastructure, and improved human capital.
Recently, the public private partnership (PPP) agricultural programme (GRAINE) was launched, providing for new oil palm plantations and the development of food crops. Changes to hydrocarbon legislation should also help to accelerate private investment flows. Gabon is the 5th oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, Africa’s 2nd largest producer of wood, and hopes to become the world’s leading producer of manganese. It has special economic zones where companies have tax advantages, preferential customs duties and simplified customs procedures. The country also enjoys a relatively high purchasing power when compared to other Sub-Saharan African countries. Gabon improved, by making the start of a business easier. Dealing with construction permits is safer and access to credit information is better.
Investment
The Gabonese government is working hard to showcase the country as a mineral rich destination and to attract investments. Apart from upgrading its transport infrastructure, the government has also signed up with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). A validation report from the EITI will be a good start for the mining sector in attracting foreign investments, as the EITI is a voluntary global compact that aims to reinforce good governance by enhancing economic transparency and responsibility in the mining sector.
Gabon is a country rich in natural resources such as diamond, gold, petroleum, natural gas, niobium, cement, phosphate rock, manganese, uranium, and iron ore
