Libreville, Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Gabon is determined to transform its extraordinary biodiversity into an economic engine. By unveiling its new national strategy for sustainable tourism and crafts, the government is launching an ambitious initiative that goes far beyond the tourism sector alone.
Behind this roadmap lies a fresh vision for national development built on leveraging natural capital, generating employment, and diversifying an economy still heavily dependent on extractive resources.
Top state officials, technical partners, diplomats, and private-sector representatives gathered at the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville for the official presentation of a strategic document set to redefine tourism’s role in Gabon’s economy. As traditional economic models show their limits and the global push for ecological transition intensifies, Gabon intends to turn its forests, national parks, culture, and crafts into assets for sustainable growth.
The Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Crafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, set the tone by emphasising that tourism is more than just an economic activity. In her view, it is a tool for territorial development, a showcase of identity, and a powerful investment lever capable of transforming regions over the long term.
71 projects to scale up
The government’s ambition stems from a simple observation: despite internationally recognised potential, Gabon’s tourism sector has never fully capitalised on its strengths. Diagnostics presented at the ceremony highlighted institutional, legal, and organisational shortcomings that have hindered the emergence of a true tourism industry for decades.
To break this pattern, the strategy outlines the implementation of 71 priority projects. Investments target modernising infrastructure, improving sector governance, professionalising operators, developing ecotourism circuits, and promoting historical, cultural, and craft heritage.
The stated goal is clear: significantly boost tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product while preserving the ecological integrity that makes the country unique.
In a continent where many nations seek to convert natural wealth into economic opportunities, Gabon holds a rare competitive edge. More than 88% of its land is forested. Its national parks rank among Africa’s best-preserved. Its wildlife, flora, and landscapes constitute a global heritage whose economic value remains largely underutilised.
An economy that can no longer operate in silos
The success of such a strategy hinges on a decisive factor: coordination of public action. Industry Minister Lubin Ntoutoume stressed that no single ministry can tackle this challenge alone. Developing tourism necessarily involves sectors like infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, land planning, and vocational training.
This integrated approach reflects a significant shift in economic governance. Tourism is no longer seen as a peripheral sector. It becomes a catalyst capable of driving multiple industries simultaneously, stimulating private investment, and creating jobs in areas far from major urban centres.
Crafts also hold a strategic place in this vision. By promoting local know-how, they help preserve cultural heritage while generating income for thousands of families.
The moment of truth
The appointment of actress and producer Nelly Obono as the face of the national tourism caravan, and artist Annie Flore’s commitment to making her song Je t’invite freely available to promote the country, show a clear intent to fully involve cultural figures in this momentum.
Beyond the symbols, however, execution is key. Vice-President of the Republic Alexandre Barro Chambrier called on all administrations, local authorities, and economic operators to take ownership of this strategy to turn it into a tangible reality. The official handover of the strategic document and the immediate announcement of a team to oversee its implementation mark the transition from reflection to action.
The third edition of the National Tourism Caravan, scheduled from 17 July to 6 September, will serve as the first large-scale test of this new policy.
For Gabon, the challenge goes beyond simple tourism development. It is about proving that a nation can turn environmental protection into a driver of prosperity. In a world searching for more sustainable economic models, this strategy could position the country as one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for the green economy.