Gabon is making significant strides toward achieving its economic ambitions, with the Kobe-Kobe deep-water port project serving as a cornerstone of its development strategy. By aiming to become a leading mining and industrial hub in Central Africa by 2030, the country is turning vision into reality. Just weeks after finalizing a strategic partnership with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) to launch the Kobe-Kobe initiative, the Gabonese government is prioritizing large-scale infrastructure development to drive national growth.

President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema took a decisive step forward by laying the foundation stone for the deep-water port on Monday, June 8, 2026. This ambitious project is more than just a construction site—it represents a bold leap toward economic sovereignty and industrialization.

The Kobe-Kobe port complex will feature a mineral terminal, a multipurpose and mineral quay, a dedicated railway loop, residential zones, cargo storage facilities, and administrative offices. At its core, this integrated project underscores Gabon’s commitment to processing raw materials locally, reducing reliance on imports, and fostering economic resilience. The initiative brings together international partners from all five continents, each contributing to different facets of the project—mining, steel production, manufacturing, and logistics. “Every stakeholder must contribute meaningfully and deliver results,” stated the Head of State during the ceremony.

“This isn’t just about building infrastructure; it’s about laying the groundwork for a new development model grounded in industrialization, local value creation, territorial integration, and logistical sovereignty,” emphasized Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, Minister of Transport and Merchant Marine. “Our goal is clear: to position Gabon as a key logistics player in the region and a strategic hub in Central Africa. Today, that goal takes tangible shape.”

Industry experts recognize Kobe-Kobe as one of the world’s five most significant mining projects. During the event, Philippe Labone, CEO of AGL, confirmed that the port’s first exports are scheduled to begin in April 2031, marking a historic milestone for Gabon’s economy.

The accompanying 550-kilometer railway corridor will connect production sites directly to the port, cutting transit time to approximately eight hours. Preparations are already underway, with AGL pledging to train young Gabonese professionals to ensure local expertise drives the project’s success.

The anticipated impact is transformative: over 100,000 jobs are expected to be created, GDP growth projected to exceed 50%, and annual revenue to surpass $10 billion once fully operational.