The President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, welcomed the African Development Bank (BAD) president, Sidi Ould Tah, in Libreville to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, the Gabonese leader and the BAD delegation, including resident representative Nouredine Kane Dia, reviewed the institution’s ongoing projects in the country and outlined national priorities. Key focus areas include expanding access to water and electricity, as well as boosting agricultural production to reduce food imports.

Water and electricity: Critical infrastructure needs

Gabon’s government highlighted the urgent need to modernize Libreville’s water supply and expand electrification across the nation. The BAD has pledged support for large-scale infrastructure projects, working closely with the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon to improve water distribution from the Komo River.

A major initiative, the Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program for Libreville (PIAEPAL), received a 200 million Unit of Account loan—equivalent to roughly 75 billion CFA francs—to rehabilitate and expand the capital’s water network. The project included:

• Renovating 310 km of pipelines
• Installing 21,000 new water meters
• Constructing and refurbishing water towers in Ntoum, Bikélé-Nzong, Alénakiri, and Sotega

Despite these efforts, President Oligui Nguema acknowledged in a recent address that the program has fallen short of expectations in delivering reliable water access.

Boosting agriculture to achieve food security

The meeting also emphasized Gabon’s push for agricultural self-sufficiency. The BAD has been a key partner in financing projects across energy, infrastructure, and farming, aligning its investments with the government’s vision for economic resilience.

The Gabonese administration stressed the importance of redirecting BAD funding toward high-impact social and economic projects that directly improve living standards. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing sustainable development initiatives that support the nation’s long-term growth strategy.