A provisional administration was set up on 1st July to proceed to transfer the missions and skills of the Private Investment Promotion Agency (PIPA) to the Chamber of Commerce.

This operation was voted by the Cabinet delocalised to Port-Gentil on 4 March: "As of 1st July, the missions, skills and activities of the Private Investment Promotion Agency (PIPA) are transferred to the Chamber of Commerce".

The purpose of this decision is to improve the business environment in Gabon. The PIPA interfered with the activities of the Chamber of Commerce, which is in charge of the support and development of local trade and service companies, and of individual support for the installation and expansion of industrial companies. The mission of the provisional administration will therefore be to:

• Manage the Consular Chamber and the PIPA during the transition period;
• Perform all the administrative and management acts enabling the Consular Chamber and the PIPA to operate during the transition period;
• Finalise all the transition and restructuring operations, which include organising elections to set up a general assembly and a bureau for the Chamber of Commerce;
• Evaluate the assets of the Chamber of Commerce;
• Execute the redundancy scheme;
• Revise the fundamental text of the PIPA to refocus its missions on the facilitation of administrative formalities, the founding, amending or cessation of the business activities of companies. With the particular aim of optimising the operation of the one stop shop.

Roger Owono Mba, Director General of Industry and Competitiveness, was appointed provisional administrator of the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture, Industry & Mines and of the PIPA. A representative of the Confederation of Gabonese Industry will assist him in his mission.

Legabon.org - 3 July 2010

On 17 June, the Cabinet adopted 9 draft bills authorising a number of loans for a total amount of almost 156 billion CFA francs, intended to finance development projects.


The money, borrowed under the aegis of the Ministry of the Economy, Trade & Industry, will finance agricultural development projects and capital spending, the emergency reconstruction of "Boulingui" bridge, sanitation projects in the town of Port-Gentil and vocational training support projects.



These loans will be obtained from various international financial bodies:

• 72.05 billion CFA francs from the African Development Bank (AfDB), to improve the quality of public higher education services and vocational training;
  
  
• 56.657 billion CFA francs from the French Development Agency (AFD), in favour of sanitation in Port-Gentil, agricultural development, the emergency reconstruction of “Boulingui” bridge in the Oloumi area and vocational training;
  
  
• 7.86 billion CFA francs from BNP-Paribas, to finance the studies, transport, installation and reception of the Woleu-Ntem interconnected electricity network;
  
  
• 3,602 billion CFA francs from CommerzBank and AKA (Ausfuhr-Kredit), to finance the engineering, acquisition and management of the project for the securing of the Libreville drinking water supply, and for the verification of the design and phase 2 construction work on the Grand Poubara hydroelectric dam.

The purpose of this series of loans is to improve the daily lives of the citizens of Gabon, in particular in the domains of training and infrastructure. It follows on another loan for 266 million euros from private banks in May this year to pay the country's domestic debt, restart the economy and create jobs.

Legabon.org - 19 June 2010

The Chief of State made his first official visit to Tripoli from 27 to 29 May. He received the support of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi for the construction and development of an emerging Gabon.

The President and Colonel Gaddafi, who share the same determination to promote bilateral relations between Gabon and Libya, discussed the main lines of cooperation between the two countries. Ali Bongo Ondimba expressed the wish to witness the completion of the projects underway in Gabon in partnership with Libya.

Libya has extensive investments in Gabon, in the oil, wood and communication sectors and the hotel and catering industry. These include, in particular:

• In the oil sector: entry into the petrol distribution market in Gabon, through the acquisition of petrol stations, of Libya Oil Gabon, subsidiary of Libya Oil Holdings Limited;
  
  
• In the forestry sector: Laaico Libye obtained a forestry permit for 347,572 hectares in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo;
  
  
• In communications: Libyan Jamahiriya Broadcasting (LJB) acquired a 52% interest in the leading Pan-African radio station, Africa No. 1;
  
  
• In the hotel and catering industry: the 10 billion CFA franc takeover of the Hotel Intercontinental Okoumé Palace and the former hotel Dialogue of Libreville by Libyan company Laaico Tourisme.

The progress of these last two projects was evoked by President Ali Bongo Ondimba and Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Concerning the Africa no. 1 operation, Colonel Gaddafi announced the payment of the Libyan share when the pan African radio station resumed broadcasting. For the hotel projects, the Libyan leader confirmed having undertaken discussion with Chinese partners for the execution of the works, with start-up on the sites being deemed imminent by the Libyan side.

The Chief of State also had talks with the Prime Minister of Libya Al Baghdadi Al Mahmudi, on the subject of the forthcoming meeting of the grand joint commission on cooperation, which will aim to revisit the framework of relations between the two countries. New areas of exchanges are expected to be defined on this occasion, in infrastructure, energy and the local transformation of wood. Libya could effectively enlist the support of its partnerships with Italy and Spain in the wood industry. The commission could also lead to the signing of new agreements for the promotion of investments or the implementation of tax advantages.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba's visit to Libya took place just after his trip to Oslo, Norway, where he took an active part in the Forest and Climate Conference. The Chief of State then went to Nice, in France, for the 2010 Africa - France summit.

Photo source: Gabonéco
legabon.org The May 31th 2010

President Ali Bongo Ondimba asserted his position as a major player in the combat against forest clearing and global warming at the International Forest and Climate Conference held in Oslo on the 26th and 27th of May.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba and the other fifty Heads of State and government who attended the Oslo Conference signed a new global partnership on 27 May for the protection of the tropical rain forest. This partnership includes 9 donor countries - Norway, the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Sweden and Denmark - and the European Union and around forty countries with forests, including Gabon.

This new partnership is part of the framework of the “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation” (REDD +) programme, which was approved at the Copenhagen conference in December 2009, and encapsulates the agreement between the participating countries on the necessity of raising funds as quickly as possible to support the developing countries in their struggle to reduce forest clearing.

The Chiefs of State united in Oslo therefore decided to add 500 million dollars to the agreement signed in Copenhagen. A total 4 billion dollars will therefore be available by 2012, instead of the original figure of 3.5 billion. This increase was made possible by the involvement of new States, including, in particular, Germany and Denmark.

Gabon's predominant role in protecting the Congo Basin rainforest was especially highlighted during the conference. The Gabonese State, already well ahead in the combat against forest clearing, with 11% of the national territory already devoted to the creation of 13 National Parks in 2002, has in fact initiated multiple operations in environmental protection within the framework of President Ali Bongo Ondimba's Green Gabon project.

The Chief of State, who, in Copenhagen, had committed to the implementation of a Climate Commission in Gabon before the end of 2010, to devise a strategic plan to combat global warming, proceeded to its launch on 26th May, just before his departure for Oslo. The creation of a Gabonese Space Observation and Study Agency, and the installation of a satellite images station for monitoring forest coverage, in partnership with France and Brazil, had also been announced back in February.

In Oslo, the President expressed the wish that the efforts of the international community be materialised in action, by including the forest question in veritable sustainable development strategies. His appeal will no doubt be heard by the time the next international conference comes round at the end of the year in Cancun, Mexico.

Rain forests, which contain a concentration of almost half of the Earth's biodiversity, bear the brunt of forest clearance: 13 million hectares disappear each year. This reduction in rainforest coverage is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Photo source: AGP

legabon.org May 28th 2010

The Head of State is currently in Shanghai to attend the opening of the World’s Fair on May the 1st. He will proceed to the inauguration of the Gabonese Pavilion this Friday, 30th of April.

The Shanghai World Expo, focusing on the theme “Better city, better life”, will be held from May, 1 to October 31, 2010. Gabon’s participation to this major event will highlight the Gabonese “emergence” policy during 6 months.

Many sub-themes will be explored during the Expo, including the fusion of different cultures in the city, prosperity of urban economy, technical and scientific innovation in the city, reshaping of urban communities, and interaction between town and country.

Gabon's participation will focus on the sub-theme "Town and country". Four cities will be presented in Shanghai and will be ambassadors of the country: Libreville, Franceville, Lambaréné and Port-Gentil.

Below you can find the program of the visit of Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, at the opening ceremony of the Gabonese Pavilion:

• 9:30: Arrival of the Gabonese delegation in the site of Expo Shanghai 2010.
  
  
• 10:00: Arrival of Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, and Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, the First Lady of Gabon, in the site of the Expo, at the African Pavilion.
  
  
• Welcoming of the Presidential Couple by the Representative of the Chinese Government and Mrs The General Commissioner of Gabon expo Shanghai 2010.
  
  
• Opening of the Gabonese Pavilion.
  
  
• 10:15: Ribbon cutting ceremony.
  
  
• 10:35: Signing of the Visitor's Book by the Gabonese President and the Representative of the Chinese Government.
  
  
• 10h40: Departure of the delegation for the Chinese Pavilion.
  
  
• 11h00: Visit of the Chinese Pavilion.
  
  
• 11:45: End of the visit.

Download the magazine Gabon at the Expo (French version).

Legabon.org 29th April 2010

The 10th European Development Fund has led to two agreements being signed in the fields of trade and public finance management, which represent some of President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s priorities for the emergence of Gabon.

The head of the European Union delegation in Gabon, Thierry Mathisse, signed two agreements with Gabon for stimulating trade and improving public finance management.

As explained by Thierry Mathisse, "the ambitions provided for in the 2010 Finance Act call for new conditions for implementation and operation, enabling the agreement process to be accelerated while enabling the results obtained to be evaluated".

The first agreement, signed with the Minister of Economy, Magloire Ngambia, grants almost 2 billion CFA francs to the Trade Support Programme (PROGACOM) over a period of 4 years. This agreement aims at improving and simplifying the rules and procedures governing trade for entrepreneurs, in particular in the private sector, and making the regulatory framework more attractive to investors.

The second agreement, signed with the Budget Minister, Blaise Louembé, involves the Support Programme for the Management of Public Finances (AGEFIP), which will receive 459 million CFA francs over a period of 4 years. EU aid will enable the deployment and restructuring of central government departments in charge of streamlining financial management in a certain number of leading ministries. Procurement safety procedures should be improved and a functional classification created.

These two new agreements are heading in the same direction as the efforts made by President Ali Bongo Ondimba and the Gabonese government in diversifying the investment fields and improving public finance within the scope of an "emerging Gabon".

legabon.ortg The 2nd of April 2010

The Head of State toured West Africa from the 2nd to the 5th of April with the aim of reinforcing Gabon’s cooperation with Mali, Senegal and Benin within the scope of the emergence of Gabon and Africa.



Strengthening cooperation with Mali

Accompanied by his wife Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, President Ali Bongo Ondimba arrived in Bamako on the 2nd of April where he was welcomed by members of the Gabonese diaspora who arrived in mass, clothed in PDG (Gabonese Democratic Party) colours.

Ali Bongo Ondimba met with his counterpart, Amadou Toumani Touré, to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries. A Mali-Gabon mixed commission should thus be set up with the Malian community, representing one of the largest communities in Gabon, being the source of significant flows of money between the two countries due to an intense level of trade activity.

This visit enabled the Head of State to take counsel with the Malian President: "According to the other Heads of State, the appreciation of the Malian President and his advice would be highly advantageous. As you know, I have been in contact with the political environment for a long time, I have always been involved in this, however I am young and advice is the most precious gift that can be given by elders".

A meeting with the diaspora, an official dinner at the Hôtel Laico Amitié in addition to a visit to the Children’s foundation and the Mother Child Hospital in Quineambougou by the first ladies Sylvia Bongo Ondimba and Lobbo Touré also proved to be a highlight of this trip.


Celebrations mark Senegal’s fifty years of independence

The President then travelled to Dakar in order to take part in the fiftieth anniversary of Senegal’s independence surrounded by a dozen other African leaders. These celebrations were marked by the inauguration of the statue of African Renaissance, a bronze sculpture measuring 50 m high, and by a large parade in which the Gabonese Armed Forces (FAG) took part. Ali Bongo Ondimba saluted the Panafrican scope of the event with the view of strengthening African unity, solidarity between the people and the emergence of the continent.

The Head of State confirmed Gabon’s support and commitment to Senegal during a meeting with the Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, with whom he met beforehand at the African Union summit in Addis Abeba. Ali Bongo Ondimba also met with the President of Cape Verde, Pedro Pires and the President of the Comoros Islands, Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi with the aim of stimulating relations with these two countries.


Two cooperation agreements signed with Benin

The Gabonese President’s tour around West Africa ended on the 5th and 6th of April in Benin in a meeting with the Beninese President Thomas Yayi Boni in Cotonou. Two cooperation agreements were signed in the fields of immigration and defence.

The first agreement, signed by the Gabonese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paul Toungui, and the Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean Marie Ehouzou, aims at easing the circulation of diplomats and mission leaders by enabling Gabonese and Beninese diplomatic passport holders to enter the partner country without having to make a prior visa request.

The second agreement, signed by the Minister of Defence, Angélique Ngoma, and her counterpart from Benin, Issifou Kogi N’Dro, provides for increased military cooperation with officer executive exchanges in military training schools and the organisation of joint training manoeuvres.

Photo: Ali Bongo and his wife Sylvia with President Amadou Toumani Touré
Legabon.org The 6th of April 2010

During his visit to Gabon, on 24 February 2010, President Sarkozy welcomed the measures taken and the objectives set, by his opposite number Ali Bongo Ondimba, for the emergence of Gabon. As the French Head of State announced during his speech in Libreville, the same day, France wishes to help to achieve these objectives by encouraging increased flows of French investments to Gabon. The setting up of a “Franco-Gabonese business council” offers an unusual framework for direct exchanges about Gabon’s priorities, investment opportunities and the business environment:

“The force of our relations cannot be measured solely by the yardstick of our cooperation and the relations between our governments. It also depends on the economic operators, that we have decided to rally in the service of investment, jobs and accelerating economic growth. Our Action plan has set itself the goal of encouraging the growth of French investment flows to Gabon.

In this respect, I decided it was desirable, and you agreed, to formalise the dialogue between French investors and the Gabonese authorities in the form of quarterly meetings. This new “Franco-Gabonese business council” offers an unusual framework for direct exchanges about Gabon's priorities, investment opportunities and the business environment.

It should guide and facilitate investment decisions and encourage French companies to be more active at the service of economic growth in Gabon. I have in mind those French companies are already established here, but also those not yet established. Almost 160 French companies are already developing industrial partnerships in Gabon, employing more than 10,000 people and achieving almost half the country’s exports. All your major infrastructure projects are followed by French corporations. They have to face keen competition, but who would complain of this, given that the rival parties are equally well armed?

In addition, this competition has the merit of showing that France and her companies have not inherited a privileged position, but that they have won it through merit. Mr President, you have made the creation of value added and diversification in Gabon the engines of growth, the priority objectives of your economic policy. These objectives, France wishes to help you to achieve them. By providing its expertise, when this is requested. Also by facilitating the granting of the appropriate private funding to French and Gabonese companies alike.

The transformation of local resources in the country, in particular manganese and wood, will be the subject of specific attention. Changes in the region’s forest coverage, with the recent launch of the building of a metallurgy plant in Haut-Ogooué, are already in evidence. I know that the same company is planning to extend its business activities beyond manganese. I would like it to do so with the participation of the government of Gabon in order to extend and strengthen the industrial partnership that already exists within COMILOG. This is another important aspect of our Action plan.


Building social progress

In the same way as the agreements we are signing, these investments in progress are the pledge of France’s determination to engage in the long-term alongside Gabon. Today I visited the Rougier plywood factory in Owendo, symbolic of the efforts this company has made in this domain. The certification process it has committed to is highly demanding. It responds to the long term objective of the sustainable exploitation of the Gabon rainforest, but also to an immediate objective in terms of social responsibility through accommodation, health and training. I know that like Rougier, other French operators in the wood sector are preparing to accelerate this local transformation process. They will be able to count on the support of the French government to do so.

These two topics, sustainable forest management and corporate citizenship, appear to me to be essential. They will be at the heart of the next Africa/France summit in May 2010. Mr President, during our first interview, just after you were elected, you advised me of your wish that the banks established in Gabon should make a greater contribution to funding the Gabonese economy.

Our action plan provides a swift answer to this concern, in the form of the engagement of collateral to provide the commercial banks with the resources to allow increased and more long-term funding of the economy. A memorandum of understanding will be signed today by AFD and BICIG. But I am aware that improving the available funding is not enough to accelerate investment. The quality of the demand from the SMEs must also be brought up to standard.

This is why our Action plan allows for the implementation of an improvement programme comparable to the programmes which have proven effective in the emerging countries.”

Legabon.org, 25 February 2010

On Wednesday 24 February, President Ali Bongo Ondimba welcomed his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, for a visit combining friendship and business. The two men strengthened the cooperation between their respective countries, through the signing of a number of agreements by the two Heads of State.

The French President’s visit to Gabon, the third since he took office, attests to the exemplary nature of the relations which continue today between the new Head of the Executive in Gabon and his French counterpart.

Mr Sarkozy’s visit began in Franceville, where he was able to pay his respects at the late Omar Bongo Ondimba’s mausoleum. The visit continued on to the Franceville Medical Research Centre (CIRMF) inaugurated in 1979, which has become a symbol of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries, with the recent discoveries concerning the Marburg and Ebola viruses recognised worldwide.

The two Presidents then went to Libreville, to the Rougier Gabon rotary cutting and plywood factory.

Four agreements were signed following a win-win logic, including a five-year accord instituting a defence partnership between Libreville and Paris. A renovated agreement which should be submitted to the parliaments of the two countries for ratification out of a concern for transparency and which will be published.

The other agreements concern: an action plan for setting up a strategic partnership (2010-2014), an agreement on the exchange of young professionals between France and Gabon, which will allow around a hundred young people to acquire professional experience in the other country with total equality of treatment and lastly, a series of credit agreements between the French Development Agency (AFD) and Gabon.

This visit took place seven months from the festivities that will mark Gabon’s accession to national sovereignty, and at a time when France has dedicated the year 2010 to the African continent.

>> Read the welcoming speech pronounced by the President Ali Bongo Ondimba for the president Nicolas Sarkozy (french version)

>> Read the speech pronounced by the President Nicolas Sarkozy at Libreville: (french version)

Legabon.org, 25 February 2010

The Gabonese President, Ali Bongo Ondimba, went to Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, where he took an active part in the 14th assembly of the chiefs of State and governments of the African Union (AU) which was held from the 31 January to 2 February. This year, the summit was devoted to the development of "Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Africa", and Gabon was given the vice-presidency.

Accompanied by his spouse, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba and Ministers Paul Tongui (Foreign Affairs), Laure Olga Gondjout (Digital Economy) and Emile Doumba (Regional Integration), the chief of State was at the heart of important bilateral meetings, thereby confirming Gabon's place on the African diplomatic scene.

The chosen topic was fully aligned with the policy of "The Gabon of value added services", desired by Ali Bongo Ondimba, focussed on the development of the digital economy (remember that Gabon installed fibre optics back in 2002). The discussions between governments led the African leaders to commit to developing the New Information and Communication Technologies (NICT) and harmonising telecommunications policies and regulations in Africa, which will be achieved through the initiation of public policies aimed at developing the infrastructure for broadband.

Furthermore, Dr Hamadoun Touré, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Donald Kaberuka, president of the African Development Bank (ADB), and Ibrahim Mayika, executive secretary of Nepad, were received by the chief of State.

Together, they discussed the implementation of the technological vision of the Gabonese president in relation to the challenge represented by information and communication technologies. This vision presented to the chiefs of State attending the summit received the support of the ITU (International Telecommunications Union). Also, the Gabonese government's long-term action will receive significant support. The funding of projects for new infrastructure, dear to the Gabonese President, to make broadband available to the greatest number, will be supported by the ADB (African Development Bank), the financial institution with which Libreville is engaged in a large number of projects. The president, Kaberuka, has already scheduled a visit to Gabon to review the overall situation of this financial alliance.

To find out more: www.africa-union.org

Legabon.org, 5 February 2010

African diplomacy took pride of place at the AU summit. All of the current conflicts and potential conflicts were reviewed in a closed session presided by President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The situations in Sudan, Guinea-Conakry, Somalia, Côte d'Ivoire and Madagascar in particular required the attention of the chiefs of State.

The Gabonese chief of State was highly sought after by his peers for various interviews regarding multilateral relations between Gabon and the major Western powers, the role of which is increasing, and on his involvement in the African diplomatic sphere… Ali Bongo Ondimba talked with his opposite numbers from Malawi, Senegal, South Africa, the Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Somalia, Liberia, Rwanda, Tunisia and Tanzania, among others. The President in fact intends to reinforce bilateral relations and increase the links uniting these countries with Gabon. In this respect, Gabon and Burundi are working together at the level of the sub-region of central Africa, in particular within the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

These exchanges and various meetings are the indirect legacy of the stances Gabon has taken in many of the conflicts that have previously affected the African continent. In fact, for a long time Gabon served as the base for humanitarian actions initiated by the United Nations; all the more so since the President of Gabon will be a member of the UN Security Council next month.


Gabon, an international interface

The pragmatic approach of President Ali Bongo Ondimba at this summit on the different topics gave a new impetus to Gabonese influence in Africa and internationally.

The chief of State met the Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-Moon. The latter expressed his concern regarding the situation in Somalia and wished a more marked commitment from the international community. The Gabonese chief of State's meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, Monachev Mottuki, was based on the same logic. The building of lines of cooperation between Libreville and Teheran was consecutively on the agenda.
Second line of development: Lisbon-Libreville, a partnership in correlation with the development dimension the President of Gabon wishes for his country. As part of this dynamic of meetings with bilateral and multilateral partners, Ali Bongo Ondimba had discussions for the first time with the Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Luis Amado. The two countries never miss an occasion to reaffirm the bonds that have united them for several years.

The Gabonese President also met the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson. The high profile American diplomat discussed the new American vision in Africa with the chief of State and more particularly in the region of the Centre, where Gabon has always played a major role. The United States, engaged in the reorientation of their policy, would like Gabon, which enjoys political stability and has numerous other advantages, to continue to occupy its position. Due to this fact, the envoy from Washington wished to share a certain number of concerns with the Gabonese President and, especially, Gabon's contribution to the search for solutions to certain crises that are affecting Africa. To find out more: www.africa-union.org

Legabon.org, 5 February 2010

24 hours after the official results of the vote on August 30 were announced by the minister of the Interior, declaring the candidate from the Democratic Party of Gabon (PDG) the winner, the Constitutional Court, through its President, Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo, validated this election, and therefore the victory of Ali Bongo Ondimba. He’s the winner with 41.73% of the votes, more than 15% ahead of his nearest rival. The score of a champion and a captain against 17 opponents. Clearly better than any first round score in any contemporary democracy.

His two principal opponents: André Mba Obame, former minister of the Interior and Pierre Mamboundou, leader of the Union du Peuple gabonais (UPG), obtained 25.88% and 25.22% of the votes respectively.

Here is the verbatim statement by the President of the Constitutional Court. “The Court proclaims, article 1 and subject to litigation which may be referred to the Constitutional Court, the results of the ballot relative to the election of the President of the Republic which was held on August 30, 2009 across national territory including in Gabon’s consular and diplomatic missions abroad, are the following: Electors roll 807,402, votes 357,621, blank or void ballot papers 17,443, votes cast 340,178 and participation rate 44.24%.


Obtained:

Ali Bongo Ondimba : 141952 votes, or 41,73 % ;
André Mba Obame : 88028 votes; or 25,88% ;
Pierre Mamboundou : 85797 votes, or 25,22% ;
Zachary Miboto : 13418 votes, or 3,94 % ;
Casimir Marie-Ange Oyé Mba : 3118 votes, or 0,92% ;
Pierre Claver Maganga Moussavou : 2576 votes, or 0,76% ;
Bruno Ben Moubamba : 963 votes, or 0,28% ;
George Bruno Ngoussi : 915 votes, or 0,27% ;
Jules Aristide Bourdes Ogouliguende : 695 votes, or 0,20% ;
Albert Ondo Ossa : 674 votes, or 0,20% ;
Luc Bengone Nsi : 250 votes, or 0,07% ;
Yvette Ngwevilo Rekangalt : 367 votes, or 0,11% ;
Bienvenu Mauro Nguema : 293 votes, or 0,09% ;
Jean-Guy Kombeny : 152 votes, or 0,04% ;
Victoire Lasseny Dubose née Issembet : 304 votes, or 0,09% ;
Bernard Oyama : 106 votes, or 0,03% ;
Marcel Robert Ntchoreret : 248 votes, or 0,07% ;
Ernest Tomo : 308 votes, or 0,09%.


Article 2

Is declared elected, candidate Ali Bongo Ondimba from the Democratic Party of Gabon with 141,952 votes or 41.73%.


Article 3

The present decision will be notified to the President of the Republic, the Prime minister, the President of the Senate, the Chairman of the National Assembly, communicated to the Minister in charge of the Interior, to the Chairman of the National and Permanent Commission (Cenap) and published in the Official Journal of the Republic of Gabon or in a journal of legal notices.

Thus the Constitutional Court deliberated and decided in session on 4 September 2009

Here are the results of the votes for each of the three candidates in the 9 provinces of Gabon:

- Estuaire : 112902 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 33818 Pierre Mamboundou : 33300 André Mba Obame : 39538	- Haut-Ogooué : 57222 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 51993 Pierre Mamboundou : 876 André Mba Obame : 581	- Moyen-Ogooué : 16188 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 4882 Pierre Mamboundou : 6009 André Mba Obame : 4462
- Ngounié : 29995 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 12451 Pierre Mamboundou : 12682 André Mba Obame : 628	- Nyanga : 13957 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 4238 Pierre Mamboundou : 9178 André Mba Obame : 155	- Ogooué-Ivindo : 16038 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 8715 Pierre Mamboundou : 3064 André Mba Obame : 3391
- Ogooué- Lolo : 18721 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 12318 Pierre Mamboundou : 1433 André Mba Obame : 541	- Ogooué-Maritime : 25341 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 5231 Pierre Mamboundou : 16279 André Mba Obame : 2925	- Woleu-Ntem : 42267 Ali Bongo Ondimba : 5436 Pierre Mamboundou : 549 André Mba Obame : 34314

>>See the site Ali9

Legabon.org, october 2009

On October 23rd, the Chief of State and the Vice-president of the Republic, Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge, the Prime minister, Head of the government, Jean Eyeghe Ndong, the Finance Minister, Blaise Louembé, Paul Toungui, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other high Government officials met with Sinohydro and the CMEC (the Chinese national Machinery and Equipment import and export Corporation), companies in charge of the projected exploitation of the Belinga iron deposits, to review the progress of the global feasibility study prior to the launch of the work of developing infrastructures for the exploitation, extraction and transport of the iron scheduled to begin in 2009.

The Belinga iron deposits, which the Gabonese government allocated to the CMEC on the 1st of June, contain 64% iron and the reserves are estimated at 1 billion tonnes.

The Belinga project comprises some major building works for the country. In addition to the works at the mine, the project allows for the construction of a deep water harbour at Santa Clara, a railway and a hydroelectric dam at Poubara, of which the President laid the first stones on Saturday 15th November.

The works for the construction of the mine and the various infrastructures should create 26,850 jobs for the Gabonese population. When it is working, the Belinga iron mine should generate 3,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs. The hydroelectric dam at Poubara will increase electricity production for three provinces: Haut-Ogooué, Ogooué-Lolo and Ogooué-Ivindo. It will have a positive impact on the activities and the life of the population in this part of Gabon.

Legabon.org, October 2008

From the General Economy Division:

On the basis of the economic indicators for the first quarter 2008, business excluding oil increased by 5% and oil production increased 1.3%, leading to favourable growth of the Gross Domestic Product - 416% in terms of volume - according to Mr Paul Bongué Boma, General Director of the Economy at the Finance Ministry.

The General Director of the Economy, Mr Paul Bongué Boma, on the basis of economic indicators of the past three months of the current year, gave an idea of the actual growth of economic activity, which remained sustained in 2008. After recording a slowdown to 1.2% in 2006, Gabon’s economy speeded up considerably in 2007, reaching a rate of growth of 5.5%. This is the trend towards which the country’s economy is moving in 2008, with a 4.6% increase (global growth of GDP in terms of volume).

In the plateaus of the Gabonese economy, it is observed that the non-oil sector benefited from the effects induced by structural reforms instigated a few years previously with the support of the international financial organisations. "Reforms oriented towards the diversification of the national economy. A policy which, after all, is beginning to bear fruit, at least up till now" indicated the General Director of the Economy. It should be noted that, in the primary sector, the economy’s forestry activity recorded a significant rise in the production of undressed timber.

At the end of the first three months of the year 2008, this sector is marked by an increase in the value of wood exports, all species taken together, under the effect of the high demand from Asia, in particular China and the late attribution of quotas in the month of March. Exports amounted to 509,670 m3 at the end of March 2008, which is a recovery of 7.9% compared to the year 2007. “However, the stagnation of the international tropical wood market, in particular in Asia (China) and Europe (France and Italy), points to a reversal of the economic situation in this sector” indicates Mr Paul Bongué Boma.

Manganese production is expected to rise considerably, to around 18.5% according to the forecasts for the whole of 2008. Already at the end of the first three months of 2008, the rise stood at 10.7% for a volume of 846,467 tonnes, driven by the continually growing demand from the international steel market. In parallel, exports grew 2.5% over the same period.

RATE OF INFLATION
As for oil production, the rate of growth is 1.3% compared to 1.7% in 2007 over the whole year, even if, according to the General Director of the Economy, “economic indicators show a slight slowdown in the first quarter 2008, essentially related to the strike by Shell Gabon employees and to the ageing of the majority of the mature fields”.

The secondary sector recorded a clear improvement in performance with 8.2% compared to 6.1% in 2007, driven by the recovery of refinery production, as well as that of the “other industries” branch, despite the drop in production of refined products, in the first quarter, related to the technical shutdown that occurred in February and March 2008. As for consumer prices, there is reason to note that we are witnessing a return of inflationary tensions. A situation which results from the steep rise in the prices of foodstuffs, particularly meat and fish, observed from 2007. The rate of inflation should, on average, reach 3.8% in 2008 compared to 5.0% in 2007.

Note that the General Economy Division (which depends on the Gabon Finance Ministry) was set up by decree no. 963/PR/MINCOFlN dated 22 June 1974. This administrative structure comprises four divisions and has the mission of analysing, orienting and promoting the national economy. It is currently involved in drafting the next edition of the economic indicators (situation 2007 and outlook for 2008-2009), to be published in the near future.

L'Union Plus Newspaper, 08/02-03/2008

At its first meeting in 2008, held in Libreville on 12 February, the National Monetary and Financial Committee was delighted with Gabon's sound economy. The country enjoyed 5% growth in 2007, external assets are in excellent shape and medium-term bank loans increased by between 10% and 15%.

The national monetary and financial committee met on 12 February in Libreville for the first of three meetings in the 2008 financial year. Chaired by Paul Toungui, the Finance Minister, the purpose of the meeting was to review the country's macroeconomic and banking situation in the course of 2007 and trace the economic outlook for the year in progress.

The committee stated that the country's economic activity was satisfactory in 2007 with good performances from the extractive industries and from the secondary and tertiary sectors. The country enjoyed 5% growth in 2007, external assets are in excellent shape and medium-term bank loans increased by between 10% and 15%.

The conclusions of this meeting also revealed an excess of 330 billion CFA francs in the execution of public finance budget in October 2007. The primary non-oil deficit was contained at 9.2% of the Gross Domestic Product Excluding Oil (GDPEO) for an annual maximum threshold of 11.6% of the GDPEO in the programme.

Lastly, the national monetary and financial committee proposed the adoption of monetary and credit objectives for the 2008 financial year. Furthermore, it approved Gabon's efforts to respect the four convergence criteria fixed by the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) within the framework of the multilateral monitoring of the economies of the region. The only criterion not met was that of inflation.

Gabon's positive economic indicators, and these encouraging economic performances, are in contrast with a world economic context burdened by financial crisis and the spectre of an economic recession in the United States.

Source: Gabonéco, February 2008

Construction of the "Ecole des Mines" - School of Engineering in Franceville
On 17 March, President Omar Bongo Ondimba proceeded to officially launch the building work on the first School of Engineering - Ecole des Mines in Gabon at Franceville along with the building of Franceville cathedral and the new presidential palace.

The School of Engineering and applied Geology - “Ecole nationale des Mines et de Géologie appliquée” will be located in the suburbs of Franceville, within the same perimeter as an agronomics institute and a prestigious high school.

It will provide two and three years study courses to 250 to 300 higher technicians and engineers in the domains of mining and geology, currently trained in South Africa and in Europe. The establishment is expected to open for the 2010-2011 academic year.

For the minister of Higher education, Dieudonné Pambo, the future Ecole des Mines must prepare Gabonese students to take part in the exploitation of their country’s rich mining resources. “Gabon is a mining country. Future prospects include the exploitation of the iron seam at Belinga. We have also discovered iron and uranium deposits in different places. There is baratine, talk… all kinds of deposits contained in the subsoil of our country. This school will prepare us for a massive exploitation of resources”.

Since 1962, Gabon has been exploiting an important manganese deposit at Moanda, in the Haut-Ogooué (south-east), where production has increased from 1.9 million tonnes in 2000 to 3.2 million tonnes in 2007. The exploitation of iron from Bélinga, in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo (north-east) should create around 30,000 jobs.

The new presidential palace in the provincial village of Ménaille Epilla will replace the former palace, which will house the headquarters of the future regional doctoral school. As for the future cathedral of Franceville, it is being built in the centre of the town.

These three buildings are part of the programme to decentralise the infrastructures for the basic development and modernisation of inland territory in order to boost economic and social activity.

>> Also read the article on manganese energy reserves: (Pdf 855k)

"Thanks to one of the largest deposits of high quality manganese on the planet, the country takes advantage of the growth in the iron and steel industry. The record production could make it no. 1 in the world in this sector very soon" (pdf Gabon Magazine)

Legabon.org, March 2008

On 28 February the Council of Ministers approved the draft law authorising the Gabonese State to borrow from international organisations for public works: general earthworks, roads, water and electricity supply networks and the building of social housing.

Four loans for more than 180 billion CFA francs will be used to finance:

- The project of electrification of the northern periphery of Libreville, Cap Estérias and the Franceville/Andjogo/Okondja zone area. Two loans were signed with Caylon, the funding and investment bank of the Credit Agricole group, for an amount of 1.7 million euros (1.1 billion CFA francs) and 9.6 million euros (6.3 billion CFA francs).

- The building of social housing at Libreville: a loan contracted from the Export-Import Bank of India, for an amount of 14.5 million US dollars (6.5 billion CFA francs). The minister for Housing and Urban Development, Patrice Tonda, met the people in charge of the Indian Deep Group of Companies and CCPL, in February.

- Asphalting of the roads between Fougamou/Mouila, Leyou/Lastourville and Ndendé/Lebamba. This fourth loan was contracted with the African Development Bank (BAD).

For these work projects, the Gabonese State has launched a call for tenders for an amount of 92 million CFA francs

Find out more about the call for tenders.

Legabon.org, March 2008

The Gabonese government was delighted to have achieved the early repayment of 86% of its debt to the Paris Club.

The government has fully reimbursed the debt as it stood at January 2008, representing 752.3 billion CFA francs.

The Council of Ministers who met on 14 February, chaired by the chief of State, highly appreciated this initiative taken at the personal instruction of the President of the Republic, which made it possible to successfully introduce Gabon onto the Capital Markets. This was achieved in spite of the morose stock exchange context due to the “subprime” crisis. The exceptional results obtained by this operation now place Gabon firmly on the playing field of international investments.

"All these results are the consequence of the climate of peace and stability reigning on Gabonese territory, and, secondly, of the economic and financial reforms implemented under the impetus of President Omar Bongo Ondimba, to whom the Council wishes, in this circumstance, to pay a firmly deserved tribute. Thanks to these borrowings and to our own resources, the government has fully reimbursed the debt as it stood at January 2008, representing 752.3 billion CFA francs.

The early repayment of 86% of the debt to the Paris Club now allows our country to leave the supervision of this Club, to reinforce its international credit rating and prestige and from now on implement an active debt management policy.”

On this occasion, the Council thanked all the countries who supported Gabon in this operation, principally France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Brazil. It also expressed its special gratitude to France who granted an additional discount of 5% (approximately 50 million euros), in the form of debt conversion, to finance the project of sustainable development in the domains of the protection and development of the Gabonese forest.

Legabon.org, March 2008

On 4 February, Gabonese Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong announced slight changes to his government following the election of Jean Ping as the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union. Mr Ping was formerly Deputy Prime Minister, in charge of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Francophony and Regional Integration.

Mr Ping's successor at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Francophony and Regional Integration is Laure Olga Gondjout, formerly Minister for Communication, Post, Telecommunications and new information technologies.

General Boniface Assélé, former Minister for Public Services and the Modernisation of the State, will take up the position of Minister for Communication, Post and Telecommunications and new information technologies.

The Gabonese ambassador in London, Alain Mensah Zoguelet, will replace Mr Assés;lés; as Minister for Public Services and the Modernisation of the State.

Lastly, Honorine Dossou Naki, who retains the portfolio of Minister for State Control, Inspections, the Fight against Corruption and Illegal Accumulation of Wealth, has been promoted to Deputy Prime Minister.

The other members of the government remain unchanged.

>> See the composition of the Gabonese government at 4 February 2008 (Pdf 19k)

NOVACOM Associés;s, February 2008

The Prime Minister of Gabon, Jean Eyeghé Ndong, announced the composition of the new government on 28 December 2007.

The new government now comprises 42 members compared to 50 in the previous government: the Prime Minister, 3 Deputy Prime Ministers, 2 Ministers of State, 26 Ministers and 10 Delegate Ministers.

The Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister were: General Flavien Nzengui - Nzoundou (Minister for Public Works, Infrastructures and Construction), Vincent Essone Mengue (Minister for Small and Medium sized Enterprises, the Social Economy and the Fight against Poverty), Patrice Tonda (Minister for Housing, Accommodation and Town Planning), Josué Mbadinga (Minister for Relations with the Parliament and Constitutional Institutions), and Dieudonné Mouiri Boussougou (Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation).

Then the Delegate Ministers, with the appointment of Noël Nelson Messone (Delegate Minister to Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Francophonie and Regional Integration, in charge of Francophonie and Regional Integration), and Jean Marie Kouba Souvi (Delegate Minister to the Minister for Public Health and Sanitation, in charge of the Family and the Promotion of Women, in charge of Public Sanitation).

The new, "streamlined" Gabonese government is endowed with a "mission" and will continue to implement the policies and directives of the Chief of State, outlined in the President’s social project: "My project, Action in favour of Gabon". The aim is to "improve the social situation of the Gabonese population, Gabon's economic and social development, and the prosperity of all Gabonese people".

>> See the composition of the Gabonese government as of 28 December 2007 (Pdf 19k)

>> Read the President’s social project, "My project, action in favour of Gabon"

On 17 August, Gabon celebrated its 47th anniversary of Independence, achieved on 17 August 1960 after belonging to the Federation of French Equatorial Africa from 1910 to 1958.

For the second consecutive year, the Estuary was honoured by the system of revolving celebrations launched in 2002 at the initiative of President Omar Bongo Ondimba. The aim of the revolving celebrations is to foster development throughout the country. Each year, two provinces are the beneficiaries of financial aid from the State for the construction of infrastructure, roads, public buildings, etc, which make it possible to attract foreign investors, thereby creating jobs and enabling the diversification of the country's economy.

The President invited representatives of several neighbouring countries to join in the festivities on 17 August, which were marked by the inauguration of buildings, roads, an awards ceremony, the civil and military parade, the final of the Independence Cup, the gala dinner, fireworks display and cultural events all over Libreville.

This day was also the occasion for the Head of State to receive the "Peace Trophy". This prize was awarded to him by the International Parliament for Safety and Peace, a new society of Nations, for his personal involvement in seeking solutions to crises in the world and in Africa. This trophy entitles the President to the rank of International Grand Chancellor, and life Senator in the International Parliament for Safety and Peace. This is the highest distinction accorded by this institution. Former Presidents Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Mikhail Gorbatchev of the former Soviet Union and Pope Jean Paul II have also been awarded this prize.

Novacom Associés - September 2007

President Omar Bongo Ondimba once more evoked the scope and the feasibility measures undertaken for the commissioning of the Belinga iron mine, which was described as the "project of the century".

Should Gabon abandon economic development in favour of the conservation of nature, as some have suggested? On 14 September, the President provided clarification in terms of national and international opinion concerning the projected exploitation of the Belinga iron mine, with respect to the conservation of the environment and ecosystems, in a speech delivered at the cité de la Démocratie in Libreville.

These infrastructures are indispensable to the exploitation of the Belinga mining deposits. Their implantation and construction will obviously perturb the ecosystems of the regions concerned to a certain extent. But this vast project does not in any way call into question the policy I have instigated in terms of the environment, expressed, in particular, in the law pertaining to the national parks. For this law expressly stipulates that any loss of a part of the territory of a national park incurred through economic necessity must be offset in equal measure.

What does this mean? It means, quite simply, that what I take from here, I replace elsewhere and there is no imbalance.

But between this and preventing all development, there is a step I am not prepared to take, for while I must conserve nature, I must also ensure the development of Gabon," the President emphasised.

The leaders of the political parties of the presidential majority provided their support to the President.

The iron deposits at Belinga, in the North East of Gabon, which were discovered in 1895, are the site of one of the last great iron deposits as yet unexploited on the planet, with an iron content of 64% and reserves estimated at one billion tons.

Last year, Gabon awarded exclusive exploitation rights to China, and certain companies therefore are engaged in the construction of roads, the extraction of manganese, and oil and gas exploration in Gabon.

The first tonnes of iron should be extracted by 2011. "The construction work involved around the mine and the various infrastructures will create 26,850 jobs for Gabonese citizens. When it is in operation, the Belinga iron mine will generate 3,000 jobs directly and 10,000 indirectly", stipulated the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean Ping.?The priority in terms of employment will be reserved for Gabonese people in accordance with president Omar Bongo Ondimba?s commitment to create thousands of jobs for Gabon.

>> Read the speech the President delivered on 14 September (Pdf file)

Novacom Associés - September 2007

The twin themes behind President Omar Bongo Ondimba's visit to France at the end of May were economic diversification and the strengthening of Franco-Gabonese relations. The negotiations that had been initiated concerning the concerted management of population movements and co-development, as well as Gabon's debt, were brought to a conclusion this month. (See the videos of the Gabonese President's diplomatic visit to Paris at the end of May)

Population movements and employment conditions
On 5 July, in Libreville, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs, Jean Ping, and the French Minister for Immigration, Integration, National identity and Co-development, Brice Hortefeux, signed an agreement concerning the concerted management of population movements and co-development, in order to facilitate travel to and stays in France for Gabonese employees and students. This agreement follows the fruitful interviews recently conducted in Paris by President Omar Bongo Ondimba with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy, and with the French Prime Minister and the Minister of the Economy and Finance. 

This agreement will only come into force once ratified in France, by the end of the summer or the beginning of the autumn, according to Brice Hortefeux.

The document has the following provisions:

• The suppression of short stay visas for holders of service or ordinary passports and the introduction of two-year multiple-entry circulation visas, particularly for economic, professional, medical or family reasons.
• Facilitation of stays in France for Gabonese employees and students: the duration of authorization will be increased from 6 to 9 months, renewable.
• On the other hand, French people living in Gabon for more than 3 years or who have been married to a Gabonese citizen for more than 3 years may obtain a renewable resident's permit valid for 5 years (instead of 2 years).

The document also has provisions for cooperation between France and Gabon in the reduction of irregular immigration, in terms of civil status and against documentary fraud, as well as French support for development projects initiated by Gabonese citizens living in France.

In order to follow up the cooperation actions, the two governments will create a tracking committee

Repaying Gabon's debt
On 18 July, the Paris Club, whose members include the principal creditor nations in the world, agreed to the proposal for the prepayment of Gabon's debt, for an initial amount of €1.6 billion.

They accepted the principle of a buyback by Gabon of its debt at market value. Gabon had requested a discount of a third of the debt but the negotiations led to an agreement for a discount of around 15%.

After his visit to Gabon, the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, took the decision to reduce Gabon's debt by 5%, or €50 million euros. This amount corresponds to the difference between the 15% cancellation agreed by the Paris Club and the 20% that Nicolas Sarkozy had decided to award Gabon.

Gabon can now invest this sum in the development of forest conservation and ecotourism. France is Gabon's principal creditor and holds approximately 58% of the Paris Club debt; the other creditors are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

At the last meeting of the Cabinet, the Ministers wished to “pay a solemn tribute to President Omar Bongo Ondimba whose close personal involvement and solid links of friendship with French leaders, notably with President Nicolas Sarkozy, made these results and spectacular progress possible.”

The French Chief of State in turn paid a visit to his Gabonese counterpart, on 27 July. Together, they worked on the file of sustainable development and environmental conservation. They visited the forest of Mandah which covers 53,720 ha, accompanied by Jane Goodhall, the British primates specialist. This site is a world mangrove ecosystem reserve which is home to a considerable bird population and a high concentration of sea turtles.

Nicolas Sarkozy appealed to economic operators to invest in the national parks and tourism sectors: “Gabon today […] is a country of diversification which gives precedence to ecotourism and the conservation of the environment”. “The forest of Gabon alone [which is the 2nd largest rain forest in the world after the Amazon] absorbs the CO2 produced by the 3 most industrialized countries in the European Union”.

The €50 million euros deducted from Gabon's debt will therefore make it possible to “help our Gabonese friends to maintain and operate ecologically this forest which is an asset for the world” and thereby contribute to the diversification of the country's economy, Nicolas Sarkozy added.

Novacom Associés – end of July 2007

Two new Ministers - Messrs Jean-François Ndongou and Michel Mboussou - took up their appointments in the Gabonese government on Wednesday, 18 July, after the departure of Mr Louis Gaston Mayila, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs, Welfare, National Solidarity and Poverty Reduction.

The former Deputy Foreign Minister, Jean-François Ndongou, therefore replaces Louis Gaston Mayila, who resigned from his position, and takes up the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs, Welfare, National Solidarity and Poverty Reduction.

Mr Michel Mboussou also joined the government, succeeding Mr Jean-François Ndongou as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Francophony and regional integration.

The two new Ministers will endeavour, as their predecessors did, to pursue the implementation of the objectives of the social project “My project, action for Gabon”, established by the President of the Republic, Omar Bongo Ondimba.

View the new composition of the Gabonese government at 18/07/07 (pdf)

Novacom Associés - end of July 2007-07-27

President Omar Bongo Ondimba visited Paris at the invitation of the new French President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, just one week after his nomination.

President Bongo met with new members of the government and with investors.

Watch footage of these meetings:
Meeting with the new French President, Nicolas Sarkozy > watch video

The principal lines of cooperation related to Gabonese development and the question of visas > watch video

Negotiating Gabon's debt > watch video

Diversification of Gabon's economy and sustainable planning > watch video

Report on the President's visit to Paris > watch video

Bilan du voyage présidentiel à Paris > watch video