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Excellent results for the mining company, Eramet
Mining and energy sectors attract interest from Korean operators
PERENCO Gabon: new development projects in Gabon
Transport: Gabon Airlines intensifies its activity
Total Gabon achieved sales of US$1,456 billion in 2007 and plans
to invest 2 billion in the Anguille field
Excellent results
Total Gabon is the leading oil operator in the country with total operated production of crude oil representing more than a third of the country’s total production. Present since 1931, Total Gabon has been involved in the discovery of more than 80% of the country’s oil reserves and has developed more than 50 deposits, on land and sea, in the course of the past 50 years, with the first production dating back to 1957.
The Board of Total Gabon met on 14 March 2008 and closed the accounts for 2007. On 17 March the management of Total Gabon announced net profits of 334.4 million US dollars (145.6 billion CFA francs) compared to 326.4 million US dollars (142 billion CFA francs) in 2006, representing an increase of 2.5%. The production of crude oil reached 81.5 thousand barrels per day compared to 84.8 in 2006, which is a decrease of 4%.
Turnover amounted to 1,456 million US dollars (or 634.2 billion CFA francs) in 2007, an increase of 177 million US dollars compared to 2006, or +14%, as the reduction in quantities sold was more than offset by a further rise in the average sale price of the crude oil commercialised by Total Gabon in 2007 (66.65 US dollars per barrel in 2007 compared to 59.08 US dollars per barrel in 2006) and by increased revenue from the transport of crude oil for third parties.
The shareholders general assembly will receive the proposal of a dividend of 31 dollars per share, and 139.5 million US dollars (60 billion CFA francs) will be distributed to the shareholders.
The company’s operating costs rose 36% between 2006 (978 millions US dollars or 426 billion CFA francs) and 2007 (1.331 billion US dollars or 580 billion CFA francs) due to a sustained programme of major maintenance work, the continued general rise in oil service prices, an unfavourable exchange rate between the US dollar and the Euro and the increase in the balance sheet items of provisions and depreciations.
Oil investments amounted to 322 million US dollars in 2007 compared to 130 million US dollars in 2006, and mainly concerned:
Delegation of South African businessmen in Libreville
As part of an operation to give a new impetus to trade exchanges between South Africa and Gabon, a delegation of South African entrepreneurs spent several days in Libreville, at the invitation of the Gabonese Ministry for Trade and Industrial Development, in charge of NEPAD, and with the collaboration of the Agency for the Promotion of Private Investments (APIP) and the Chamber of Commerce.
The guests were received by the President of the Gabonese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Joachim Boussamba Mapaga and by the South African Ambassador in Gabon, Mahlomola Johnson Jomo Khasu, who presented the advantages of Gabon and the investment opportunities the country represents. In turn, the investors described their preferential investment sectors, which include oil, agro-food, tourism and eco-tourism, telecommunications, the building of infrastructures, the transformation of wood and energy production.
The South African economic operators went to the provinces to find high potential investment sectors and meet their Gabonese counterparts.
A South African fair has been scheduled in Libreville from 22 to 27 April.
In his speech, the Ambassador recalled the fourteen bilateral agreements signed by the two countries in terms of development. The purpose of these agreements is to facilitate reciprocal investments in each of the two countries and avoid, for example, the double taxation of Gabonese and South African products, encourage maritime and civil aviation chartering, the exchange of experience and skills to bring the economic partners closer together and the circulation of people between the two countries, since Gabonese citizens who travel to South Africa do not require a visa for a stay of less than three months.
>> read the article on "International relations: crossing the continent" Mahlomola Jomo Khasu, South African Ambassador to Gabon, explains why the launch of new flights between Johannesburg and Libreville illustrates the close links with Gabon. -> pdf article nommé "International relations : crossing the continent"
Legabon.org, March 2008
China to build a 125 km section of road between Gabon and Congo
Public works: call for tenders
Libreville validates the world Convention on the maritime transport of merchandise
To modernise and harmonise the carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea, given the changing trends in shipping exchanges, such was the subject of the Libreville workshop on 4 March. Organised by the Gabonese Shippers Council, this workshop is in preparation for the World Maritime Transport Convention summit scheduled on 9 June in New York in the United States.
The workshop for the validation of the world convention on the carriage of goods by sea held its conference on 4 March in Libreville to examine Gabon’s proposals in terms of the international carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea.
Organised by the Gabonese Shippers Council (CGC) in cooperation with the Gabonese Ministry of the Merchant Navy, this workshop was an opportunity to study possible ways of modernising and harmonising procedures for the transport of merchandise by river given the changing trends in exchanges through this mode of transport, and to validate national proposals.
These proposals will then be submitted to the conference of coastal countries for the world convention on the carriage of goods by sea, to be held on 9 June in New York in the United States, for the adoption of the proposals made by each of the States represented.
The Gabonese Minister for the Merchant Navy, Jacques Adiahenot, stated that "The vitality and the modernisation of the shipping sector in Africa in general and in Gabon in particular, will necessarily be achieved through involvement in all the discussions conducted throughout the world. It is necessary to end the perception that Africa is absent from the major decisions that affect its future. This is why I congratulate the initiative taken by the African countries present at these negotiations to create a group in order to achieve a consensus and implement strategies aimed at better defending the interests of Africa".
Maritime exchanges are confronted with ongoing changes in the sector and the mission of the Libreville conference was to define the issues at stake and the resulting proposals in order to give Africa, and particularly Gabon, the means to take up the challenges of globalisation.
Professor Ibrahim Khalil, a maritime transport expert, explained that “The purpose of the convention is to regulate the carriage of goods by sea.” The project was adopted in January 2008 within the framework of a technical workgroup, and was transmitted to the general assembly which is the body responsible for the future of this convention".
The objectives of the new international convention on the carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea are to take into in account the legal frameworks of existing conventions in order to adapt to the constraints of the moment and make them applicable to the different States, and not only in Africa as is currently the case.
Source: Gabonéco, article dated 7 March 2008
Gabon draws up a "Commercial Code"
Deep reserves
Download the Pdf file
International relations: crossing the continent
Download the Pdf file
Transport: Gabon Airlines to operate service to Pointe Noire
Natural resources: Comilog increases turnover by XAF 500 billion in 2008
Calls for tender
A bright outlook for Gabon Airlines
Investing in tourism in Gabon
Record rubber production
Korean investors to become partners of the future Libreville airport
China to reinvest in civil engineering projects
Gabon Telecom cuts call rates by almost 85%
Celtel launches “One network” in Gabon
Telecel Gabon to invest more than XAF20 billion to expand network coverage
Tourism and National Parks
Proposed law for National Parks
Gabon protects its forests with strict forestry laws
Use of mining resources
Urnover for Eramet manganese has grown by 92.9% with manganese ore and sinter production at the Gabonese subsidiary, Comilog, up by 10.7% to 846,000 tonnes in the 1st quarter of 2008, compared with 2007.
 Agglomeration plant in Moanda |
 Manganese mine |
The French mining group, Eramet, which produces nickel, manganese and alloys has recorded a strong 37.9% rise in turnover in the 1st quarter of 2008, compared with the 1st quarter of 2007. In Gabon, manganese ore and sinter production at its subsidiary, COMILOG (Ogooué Mining Company) was up 10.7% to 846, 500 tonnes, in the 1st quarter of 2008, compared with the 1st quarter of 2007, thanks to a sharp rise in the price of manganese ore. The turnover of Eramet manganese rose by 92.9 %, over the same period. On 6 June, the CEO of the Eramet group, Patrick Buffet, met with President Omar Bongo Ondimba in Libreville, to report back to the president both on these excellent results and the development prospects for activities at its Gabonese subsidiary. Production at Comilog increased output to 3,334 million tonnes of manganese with a turnover of 272 billion CFA francs. 20 billion CFA francs were paid out to the company’s various shareholders. A favourable outlook Prices for manganese alloys and ore have continued to grow since the end of the 1st quarter of 2008. Demand remains very focused. Manganese ore and sinter production in Gabon continues to accelerate in a bid to achieve 3.5 million tonnes by the end of 2008 and 4 million by 2010. Thanks to developing capacities in the processing of manganese, 400 jobs are to be created in the province of Upper Ogooué. To achieve these objectives, Patrick Buffet announced the release of massive investment for the sustained development of activities on the Bakoumba plateau, in Upper Ogooué Province. "Not so long ago we were producing 2 million tonnes in Moanda; we are now fulfilling our commitment to the President of the Republic to achieve 3.5 million tonnes in 2008; we are even thinking of extending mining production to 4 million tonnes or perhaps a little more, by 2010. We have therefore committed to a series of investments; we have developed and increased mining production, and following operations in the Bagombé plateau, have begun preparations in the Koumba plateau, Moanda, aimed at developing mining production. Moreover, we wish to create a manganese processing capacity in Gabon, utilising a silico-manganese plant, producing both silico-manganese alloy and manganese metal; with two factories creating direct jobs for 400 people. These two factories would play a hugely important role in further developing production infrastructure in Gabon, and also assumes that we get sufficient electricity from the new Poubara hydroelectric dam, at competitive prices" states Patrick Buffet. Legabon.org, June 2008 | |
Mining and energy sectors attract interest from Korean operators
On 5 June a delegation of Korean business executives met the Gabonese Mines Minister, Sylvain Momoadjambo, to investigate partnership opportunities.
On 5 June a delegation of Korean business executives met the Gabonese Minister for Mines, Petroleum, Hydrocarbons and Energy, Sylvain Momoadjambo, to investigate partnership opportunities in the mining and energy sectors and the sharing of skills and experience.
Legabon.org, june 2008
On 5 June a delegation of Korean business executives met the Gabonese Minister for Mines, Petroleum, Hydrocarbons and Energy, Sylvain Momoadjambo, to investigate partnership opportunities in the mining and energy sectors and the sharing of skills and experience.
Legabon.org, june 2008
PERENCO Gabon: new development projects in Gabon
The oil company, Perenco Gabon, the 3rd leading company in its sector nationally, is looking to develop its activities.
Directors of the Franco-British oil company PERENCO Gabon, ranked 3rd in its sector at national level, met the Head of State, Omar Bongo Ondimba, and Minister of State for Mines, Casimir Oye Mba to report on their development project. "We reaffirmed our wish to ensure the group’s sustainability, to develop PERENCO Gabon, through the exploration and development of gas…in fact we are now supplying Libreville and Port Gentil with gas from PERENCO Gabon…and of course to continue our oil prospection and production. Today, therefore, we are producing around 50,000 barrels/day; the group has continued to grow since its arrival in Gabon in 1992 and it is our wish to develop gas fields and relaunch the development of large reserves in the south of the country, in particular the Mbia field, which is one of the largest reserves in Gabon. We are also benefiting from the soaring price of crude oil, but prudence is needed here; oil prices, in particular those from contractors, are also increasing, so we must adopt a serious and not a casual attitude; we belong to a cyclical industry, and are continually looking to the future; we work on long 5, 10 or even 15 year cycles, so whilst we are able make full use of rising prices at the moment, we must also prepare for the future", states François Perrodo, the group’s Managing Director.
Legabon.org, june 2008
Directors of the Franco-British oil company PERENCO Gabon, ranked 3rd in its sector at national level, met the Head of State, Omar Bongo Ondimba, and Minister of State for Mines, Casimir Oye Mba to report on their development project. "We reaffirmed our wish to ensure the group’s sustainability, to develop PERENCO Gabon, through the exploration and development of gas…in fact we are now supplying Libreville and Port Gentil with gas from PERENCO Gabon…and of course to continue our oil prospection and production. Today, therefore, we are producing around 50,000 barrels/day; the group has continued to grow since its arrival in Gabon in 1992 and it is our wish to develop gas fields and relaunch the development of large reserves in the south of the country, in particular the Mbia field, which is one of the largest reserves in Gabon. We are also benefiting from the soaring price of crude oil, but prudence is needed here; oil prices, in particular those from contractors, are also increasing, so we must adopt a serious and not a casual attitude; we belong to a cyclical industry, and are continually looking to the future; we work on long 5, 10 or even 15 year cycles, so whilst we are able make full use of rising prices at the moment, we must also prepare for the future", states François Perrodo, the group’s Managing Director.
Legabon.org, june 2008
Transport: Gabon Airlines intensifies its activity
Gabon Airlines launches a Libreville - Marseille service and is acquiring a new Boeing 767 200.
In order to strengthen capacity and meet expectations, on 15 June Gabon Airlines launched a new direct service between Libreville and Marseille.
It has also acquired a new Boeing 767 200. For timetables, go to
Legabon.org, june 2008
In order to strengthen capacity and meet expectations, on 15 June Gabon Airlines launched a new direct service between Libreville and Marseille.
It has also acquired a new Boeing 767 200. For timetables, go to
Legabon.org, june 2008
Total Gabon achieved sales of US$1,456 billion in 2007 and plans
to invest 2 billion in the Anguille field
Excellent results
Total Gabon is the leading oil operator in the country with total operated production of crude oil representing more than a third of the country’s total production. Present since 1931, Total Gabon has been involved in the discovery of more than 80% of the country’s oil reserves and has developed more than 50 deposits, on land and sea, in the course of the past 50 years, with the first production dating back to 1957.
The Board of Total Gabon met on 14 March 2008 and closed the accounts for 2007. On 17 March the management of Total Gabon announced net profits of 334.4 million US dollars (145.6 billion CFA francs) compared to 326.4 million US dollars (142 billion CFA francs) in 2006, representing an increase of 2.5%. The production of crude oil reached 81.5 thousand barrels per day compared to 84.8 in 2006, which is a decrease of 4%.
Turnover amounted to 1,456 million US dollars (or 634.2 billion CFA francs) in 2007, an increase of 177 million US dollars compared to 2006, or +14%, as the reduction in quantities sold was more than offset by a further rise in the average sale price of the crude oil commercialised by Total Gabon in 2007 (66.65 US dollars per barrel in 2007 compared to 59.08 US dollars per barrel in 2006) and by increased revenue from the transport of crude oil for third parties.
The shareholders general assembly will receive the proposal of a dividend of 31 dollars per share, and 139.5 million US dollars (60 billion CFA francs) will be distributed to the shareholders.
The company’s operating costs rose 36% between 2006 (978 millions US dollars or 426 billion CFA francs) and 2007 (1.331 billion US dollars or 580 billion CFA francs) due to a sustained programme of major maintenance work, the continued general rise in oil service prices, an unfavourable exchange rate between the US dollar and the Euro and the increase in the balance sheet items of provisions and depreciations.
Oil investments amounted to 322 million US dollars in 2007 compared to 130 million US dollars in 2006, and mainly concerned:
- the operated Mandji activity, the start-up of the first phase of the re-development of the Anguille field with the drilling of 7 new wells, re-development work of the Lopez North field and Port Gentil Océan with the drilling of 2 wells, and the continuation of re-development studies on the deposits at Baudroie, Hylia and Torpille.
- the operated Rabi activity, the continuation of the complementary Atora development project and the work carried out to increase the floodwater capacity at Coucal.
- non-operated activities, the continuation of the scheduled work on Rabi Kounga phase III with the new drilling campaign comprising 5 new wells and the recovery of 2 existing wells and the definition of a complementary development strategy for the field.
Oil investments
Since 2000, Total Gabon has launched a major programme to valorise and re-develop existing fields aimed at improving recovery and slowing down natural decline. The re-development of the Anguille field is the materialisation of one of the most important projects in this programme.
Total Gabon plans to borrow 600 million dollars to finance its multi-year investment plan. In addition, the dividend policy in years of high-investment will be adjusted in consequence.
2 billion dollars in investments for the exploitation of the Anguille field
The benefits of the project in terms of production are expected from 2008 with production peaking at more than 30,000 barrels per day in the years 2013-2014. The amount of investments associated with the project is estimated at 2 billion dollars for additional proven and probable reserves of approximately 150 million barrels. The project also minimises operating costs through the recentring of land exploitation.
Total Gabon exploits the Diaba site with Diaba Ltd
The company called upon Gabon Diaba Ltd, a subsidiary of American Cobalt International Energy, for the exploitation of the Diaba site (around fifty km off the southern coast of Gabon) thereby meeting the amplitude of investments required. Total Gabon transferred to the company a 21.25% share.
This transfer was approved by the Gabonese authorities and took effect on 1st January 2008. It enables Total Gabon to share the risks on this “border” deep offshore permit, in search of new themes in previously untapped horizons. On completion of this agreement, Total Gabon, as operator, retains 63.75% alongside Cie Gabon Diaba Ltd (21.25%) and the Republic of Gabon (15%).
The exploration campaign will take place in three phases: the first phase will last for three and a half years, comprising the start of work of 2,000 kilometres of 2D seismic survey, a campaign scheduled for 2008; the second, which also lasts for three and a half years, comprises 700 square kilometres of 3D seismic survey; and the third, for a duration of three years, comprises the work of the drilling of a well.
Legabon.org, March 2008
Delegation of South African businessmen in Libreville
As part of an operation to give a new impetus to trade exchanges between South Africa and Gabon, a delegation of South African entrepreneurs spent several days in Libreville, at the invitation of the Gabonese Ministry for Trade and Industrial Development, in charge of NEPAD, and with the collaboration of the Agency for the Promotion of Private Investments (APIP) and the Chamber of Commerce.
The guests were received by the President of the Gabonese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Joachim Boussamba Mapaga and by the South African Ambassador in Gabon, Mahlomola Johnson Jomo Khasu, who presented the advantages of Gabon and the investment opportunities the country represents. In turn, the investors described their preferential investment sectors, which include oil, agro-food, tourism and eco-tourism, telecommunications, the building of infrastructures, the transformation of wood and energy production.
The South African economic operators went to the provinces to find high potential investment sectors and meet their Gabonese counterparts.
A South African fair has been scheduled in Libreville from 22 to 27 April.
In his speech, the Ambassador recalled the fourteen bilateral agreements signed by the two countries in terms of development. The purpose of these agreements is to facilitate reciprocal investments in each of the two countries and avoid, for example, the double taxation of Gabonese and South African products, encourage maritime and civil aviation chartering, the exchange of experience and skills to bring the economic partners closer together and the circulation of people between the two countries, since Gabonese citizens who travel to South Africa do not require a visa for a stay of less than three months.
>> read the article on "International relations: crossing the continent" Mahlomola Jomo Khasu, South African Ambassador to Gabon, explains why the launch of new flights between Johannesburg and Libreville illustrates the close links with Gabon. -> pdf article nommé "International relations : crossing the continent"
Legabon.org, March 2008
China to build a 125 km section of road between Gabon and Congo
Chinese company CEMEC has won the call for tenders launched by the Congo. The company will build a 125 km section of road from the North of the Congo to the Gabonese border. The cost of the work is estimated at €70 million (45 billion CFA francs).
This road will facilitate the promotion of the areas it runs through and will revive the transit function exercised by the Congo in the sub-region of Central Africa by offering the adjacent countries the advantages of convenience, and the transport of people and goods", said Jean-Jacques Bouya, the General Delegate of major works.
Legabon.org, March 2008
This road will facilitate the promotion of the areas it runs through and will revive the transit function exercised by the Congo in the sub-region of Central Africa by offering the adjacent countries the advantages of convenience, and the transport of people and goods", said Jean-Jacques Bouya, the General Delegate of major works.
Legabon.org, March 2008
Public works: call for tenders
Opportunity: the Gabonese government has launched a call for tenders for 92 million CFA francs
The State has launched a call for tenders following the Council of Ministers' adoption of the draft law authorising the Gabonese State to borrow funds from international organisations to finance public works.
The call for tenders notice was published on 29 February. There are three indivisible batches for a total amount of 92 million CFA francs:
The State has launched a call for tenders following the Council of Ministers' adoption of the draft law authorising the Gabonese State to borrow funds from international organisations to finance public works.
The call for tenders notice was published on 29 February. There are three indivisible batches for a total amount of 92 million CFA francs:
- Batch 1: General earthworks, roads and civil engineering: 17.5 million CFA francs
- Batch 2: Electric power supply, drinking water supply and fire safety: 7.5 million CFA francs
- Batch 3: Construction of social housing and fencing: 67 million CFA francs
The tenderers interested in the call for tenders can obtain additional information and examine the call for tenders file from the Project Execution Cell (C.E.P Education) at the following address:
B.P. 3992 Libreville (2nd floor of Le Président building beside BICIG Centre)
Telephone: (241) 77 30 18
Fax: (241) 77 52 72
Contact: Jacques Koumba
Email: koumbajacques@yahoo.fr,
The call for tenders file can be obtained in exchange for payment of 100,000 CFA francs, in cash or by certified cheque made out to the Project.
The deadline for submitting bids has been set at 18 April 2008 at 9:00 am, local time.
>> Find out more about the state borrowing 180 billion CFA francs for public works"
Legabon.org, March 2008
Libreville validates the world Convention on the maritime transport of merchandise
To modernise and harmonise the carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea, given the changing trends in shipping exchanges, such was the subject of the Libreville workshop on 4 March. Organised by the Gabonese Shippers Council, this workshop is in preparation for the World Maritime Transport Convention summit scheduled on 9 June in New York in the United States.
The workshop for the validation of the world convention on the carriage of goods by sea held its conference on 4 March in Libreville to examine Gabon’s proposals in terms of the international carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea.
Organised by the Gabonese Shippers Council (CGC) in cooperation with the Gabonese Ministry of the Merchant Navy, this workshop was an opportunity to study possible ways of modernising and harmonising procedures for the transport of merchandise by river given the changing trends in exchanges through this mode of transport, and to validate national proposals.
These proposals will then be submitted to the conference of coastal countries for the world convention on the carriage of goods by sea, to be held on 9 June in New York in the United States, for the adoption of the proposals made by each of the States represented.
The Gabonese Minister for the Merchant Navy, Jacques Adiahenot, stated that "The vitality and the modernisation of the shipping sector in Africa in general and in Gabon in particular, will necessarily be achieved through involvement in all the discussions conducted throughout the world. It is necessary to end the perception that Africa is absent from the major decisions that affect its future. This is why I congratulate the initiative taken by the African countries present at these negotiations to create a group in order to achieve a consensus and implement strategies aimed at better defending the interests of Africa".
Maritime exchanges are confronted with ongoing changes in the sector and the mission of the Libreville conference was to define the issues at stake and the resulting proposals in order to give Africa, and particularly Gabon, the means to take up the challenges of globalisation.
Professor Ibrahim Khalil, a maritime transport expert, explained that “The purpose of the convention is to regulate the carriage of goods by sea.” The project was adopted in January 2008 within the framework of a technical workgroup, and was transmitted to the general assembly which is the body responsible for the future of this convention".
The objectives of the new international convention on the carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea are to take into in account the legal frameworks of existing conventions in order to adapt to the constraints of the moment and make them applicable to the different States, and not only in Africa as is currently the case.
Source: Gabonéco, article dated 7 March 2008
Gabon draws up a "Commercial Code"
This code will constitute an effective tool for promoting trade in Gabon and at the same time provide potential investors with more security in terms of trade regulation.
A seminar to draw up the "Commercial Code" of Gabon took place in Libreville from 11 to 15 February. The discussions followed a draft which was submitted to economic players by Paul Biyoghe Mba, the Minister for Trade, on 21 January.
The purpose is to update the legal framework of the commercial sector, an initiative taken by the Gabonese government as part of a policy of regulating commercial activity in the country, in line with forestry activities and mining activities which both have regulatory frameworks in place.
The aim is to facilitate the diversification of the economy, attract more investors keen to do business in the country by creating a reliable framework, and above all to provide the country with a modern Code that respects current International Trade standards. Standards include those laid down by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), OHADA (Organization for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa) and also the norms produced by sub-regional institutions such as CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) or CEEAC (Economic Community of Central African States).
This code will constitute an effective tool for promoting trade in Gabon and at the same time provide potential investors with more security in terms of trade regulation.
A commission will be appointed to spend eight months finalizing the draft of the document. At the end of this period, the text will be submitted to the National Assembly and to the Senate before it is finally adopted.
NOVACOM Associés, February 2008
A seminar to draw up the "Commercial Code" of Gabon took place in Libreville from 11 to 15 February. The discussions followed a draft which was submitted to economic players by Paul Biyoghe Mba, the Minister for Trade, on 21 January.
The purpose is to update the legal framework of the commercial sector, an initiative taken by the Gabonese government as part of a policy of regulating commercial activity in the country, in line with forestry activities and mining activities which both have regulatory frameworks in place.
The aim is to facilitate the diversification of the economy, attract more investors keen to do business in the country by creating a reliable framework, and above all to provide the country with a modern Code that respects current International Trade standards. Standards include those laid down by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), OHADA (Organization for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa) and also the norms produced by sub-regional institutions such as CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) or CEEAC (Economic Community of Central African States).
This code will constitute an effective tool for promoting trade in Gabon and at the same time provide potential investors with more security in terms of trade regulation.
A commission will be appointed to spend eight months finalizing the draft of the document. At the end of this period, the text will be submitted to the National Assembly and to the Senate before it is finally adopted.
NOVACOM Associés, February 2008
Deep reserves
The surge in the global steel industry has put Gabon, the site of one of the world’s largest high-quality manganese ore mines, in the spotlight. Record-breaking yields look set to make it a world leader.
Download the Pdf file
International relations: crossing the continent
The South African Ambassador to the Gabonese Republic, Mahlomola Jomo Khasu, tells why the launch of new flights between Johannesburg and Libreville is such a positive sign of strong ties with Gabon.
Download the Pdf file
Transport: Gabon Airlines to operate service to Pointe Noire
Gabon Airlines announced that from 15 January 2008, it will operate services to the town of Pointe Noire (second largest town and economic capital of Congo Brazzaville), with a Boeing 767 equipped for three classes.
Gabon Airlines has announced that from 15 January 2008, it will operate a service to the town of Pointe Noire, (second largest town and economic capital of Congo Brazzaville), with a Boeing 767 equipped for three classes.
A few months ago, the airline stepped up business activities with 2 Boeing 767-200 on the Paris-Libreville route. According to the Management Division, Gabon Airlines will soon also be operating on the inter-African network with medium haul twin-engine jets.
Since the second half of 2007, the Gabonese airline has switched to "electronic ticket" facilities to meet the 1st January 2008 deadline imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
With capital of XAF 5 billion (€7.6 million), Gabon Airlines' assets are wholly owned by banks, insurance companies and private investors in Gabon.
NOVACOM Associés - January 2008
Gabon Airlines has announced that from 15 January 2008, it will operate a service to the town of Pointe Noire, (second largest town and economic capital of Congo Brazzaville), with a Boeing 767 equipped for three classes.
A few months ago, the airline stepped up business activities with 2 Boeing 767-200 on the Paris-Libreville route. According to the Management Division, Gabon Airlines will soon also be operating on the inter-African network with medium haul twin-engine jets.
Since the second half of 2007, the Gabonese airline has switched to "electronic ticket" facilities to meet the 1st January 2008 deadline imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
With capital of XAF 5 billion (€7.6 million), Gabon Airlines' assets are wholly owned by banks, insurance companies and private investors in Gabon.
NOVACOM Associés - January 2008
Natural resources: Comilog increases turnover by XAF 500 billion in 2008
Comilog, the principal manganese mining company in Gabon, announced a rise in turnover of XAF 500 billion between 2007 and 2008, representing an increase of 250%
The high performance levels of COMILOG are essentially related to the rise in manganese production and to the strong demand for this mineral on the world market. COMILOG thus demonstrates its ambition to consolidate its position as a preferential partner for the development of Gabon. COMILOG, which is a key player in the Gabonese economy, is one of the world’s largest producers of manganese. The manganese deposit at Moanda represents 30% of global reserves of this ore. The Compagnie minière de l’Ogooué has been mining manganese in Gabon since 1962. COMILOG, which is headquartered at Moanda, in south-east Gabon, is a subsidiary of the French group Eramet. The company has capital of XAF 32.8 billion (US $77,406,288), distributed mainly between Eramet (Erap, Elf and Imétal, 61%), the Gabonese State (30%) and various shareholders, including the Dutch Formang Holding.
The high performance levels of COMILOG are essentially related to the rise in manganese production and to the strong demand for this mineral on the world market. COMILOG thus demonstrates its ambition to consolidate its position as a preferential partner for the development of Gabon. COMILOG, which is a key player in the Gabonese economy, is one of the world’s largest producers of manganese. The manganese deposit at Moanda represents 30% of global reserves of this ore. The Compagnie minière de l’Ogooué has been mining manganese in Gabon since 1962. COMILOG, which is headquartered at Moanda, in south-east Gabon, is a subsidiary of the French group Eramet. The company has capital of XAF 32.8 billion (US $77,406,288), distributed mainly between Eramet (Erap, Elf and Imétal, 61%), the Gabonese State (30%) and various shareholders, including the Dutch Formang Holding.
Calls for tender
Call for tender on 1st January 2008 - the Gabonese Post Office launched a national and international call for tenders for the acquisition and implementation of an integrated network for La Poste SA
Call for tenders on 16 December - for the 2012 African Cup
Call for tender on 1st January 2008 – the Gabonese Post Office launches a national and international call for tenders for the acquisition and implementation of an integrated network for La Poste SA
"This call for tenders is exclusively intended for manufacturers, operators and integrators of telecommunications systems".
The file required for presenting bids can be obtained for a remittance of XAF 650,000. Payments should be made through the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC), payable to: La Poste SA, domiciled at BEAC - Libreville - GABON - Account no. 50 311301 5408.
Tenderers are invited to attend or to have their representatives attend the opening of the technical bids, which will take place in a public session, on 22 February 2008, at 14:00 GMT at the previously mentioned address.
Deadline for submitting tenders: 15 February 2008 at 12:00 GMT.
Call for tenders on 16 December - for the 2012 African Cup
The Gabonese Ministry for Youth and Sports has launched a call for tenders for the main worksites to be carried out within the framework of the African Nations Cup 2012 edition to take place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Companies may submit tenders for a large number of work sites:
- construction of a new sports complex,
- construction of a sports village of 300 accommodation units in Libreville,
- construction of a village of 200 accommodation units in Franceville,
- renovation of the Omar Bongo Ondimba sports complex in Libreville,
- renovation of the stadiums at Franceville and Moanda,
- construction of training stadiums at Franceville and surrounding area.
The budget has not been communicated.
Last October, Gabon selected five design offices with a view to preparing the feasibility of these projects. Of the five offices, only two are Gabonese: 2G and Archi – Pro International. The remaining three are from Cameroon (AMMA GECOL), Congo Brazzaville (AAUC) and Egypt (ACE).
Call for tenders on 16 December - for the 2012 African Cup
Call for tender on 1st January 2008 – the Gabonese Post Office launches a national and international call for tenders for the acquisition and implementation of an integrated network for La Poste SA
"This call for tenders is exclusively intended for manufacturers, operators and integrators of telecommunications systems".
The file required for presenting bids can be obtained for a remittance of XAF 650,000. Payments should be made through the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC), payable to: La Poste SA, domiciled at BEAC - Libreville - GABON - Account no. 50 311301 5408.
Tenderers are invited to attend or to have their representatives attend the opening of the technical bids, which will take place in a public session, on 22 February 2008, at 14:00 GMT at the previously mentioned address.
Deadline for submitting tenders: 15 February 2008 at 12:00 GMT.
Call for tenders on 16 December - for the 2012 African Cup
The Gabonese Ministry for Youth and Sports has launched a call for tenders for the main worksites to be carried out within the framework of the African Nations Cup 2012 edition to take place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Companies may submit tenders for a large number of work sites:
- construction of a new sports complex,
- construction of a sports village of 300 accommodation units in Libreville,
- construction of a village of 200 accommodation units in Franceville,
- renovation of the Omar Bongo Ondimba sports complex in Libreville,
- renovation of the stadiums at Franceville and Moanda,
- construction of training stadiums at Franceville and surrounding area.
The budget has not been communicated.
Last October, Gabon selected five design offices with a view to preparing the feasibility of these projects. Of the five offices, only two are Gabonese: 2G and Archi – Pro International. The remaining three are from Cameroon (AMMA GECOL), Congo Brazzaville (AAUC) and Egypt (ACE).
A bright outlook for Gabon Airlines
At the beginning of August, the private airline company Gabon Airlines took delivery of its Boeing 767 - 200
At the beginning of August, the private airline company Gabon Airlines, founded in July 2006 and the successor to Air Gabon, took delivery of a Boeing 767 ? 200. A second Boeing is in the pipeline.
Since 10 April, Gabon Airlines, which carries the torch of the Republic of Gabon, offers 3 flights a week between Libreville and Paris. The new aircraft, with a seating capacity for 156 passengers, acquired from American Airlines, will handle long-haul flights to Europe.
The arrival of these two aircraft will allow the company to increase its passenger capacity, the frequency of its flights and extend its destinations towards Central Africa, the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Source: NOVACOM Associés - September 2007
At the beginning of August, the private airline company Gabon Airlines, founded in July 2006 and the successor to Air Gabon, took delivery of a Boeing 767 ? 200. A second Boeing is in the pipeline.
Since 10 April, Gabon Airlines, which carries the torch of the Republic of Gabon, offers 3 flights a week between Libreville and Paris. The new aircraft, with a seating capacity for 156 passengers, acquired from American Airlines, will handle long-haul flights to Europe.
The arrival of these two aircraft will allow the company to increase its passenger capacity, the frequency of its flights and extend its destinations towards Central Africa, the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Source: NOVACOM Associés - September 2007
Investing in tourism in Gabon
The African continent recorded the highest growth in the number of tourists in the world and 1.56 billion visitors are expected by 2020. Gabon has definite potential for tourism and development opportunities that constitute promising niche markets, particularly for investors
The African continent recorded the highest growth in the number of tourists in the world these past two years and 1.56 billion visitors are expected by 2020.
With a wide diversity of tourist attractions including rich flora and fauna, traditions, cultures, ancestral arts and legendary hospitality, Gabon presents potential for tourism and development opportunities that constitute promising niche markets, particularly for investors: through the construction of accommodation in proximity to the national parks, the conception of ecotourism programmes, the building of access (roads, heliports and airports, river boats and landing stages), the commercialisation of ecotourism products and the implementation of specific training courses (multilingual guides, Local Coordinators, catering staff, etc.).
>> Read article (fr pdf file)
>> Discover the 13 national parks in Gabon through the interactive Travel Log
The African continent recorded the highest growth in the number of tourists in the world these past two years and 1.56 billion visitors are expected by 2020.
With a wide diversity of tourist attractions including rich flora and fauna, traditions, cultures, ancestral arts and legendary hospitality, Gabon presents potential for tourism and development opportunities that constitute promising niche markets, particularly for investors: through the construction of accommodation in proximity to the national parks, the conception of ecotourism programmes, the building of access (roads, heliports and airports, river boats and landing stages), the commercialisation of ecotourism products and the implementation of specific training courses (multilingual guides, Local Coordinators, catering staff, etc.).
>> Read article (fr pdf file)
>> Discover the 13 national parks in Gabon through the interactive Travel Log
Record rubber production
This year, rubber production is expected to reach a record level, propelling the country ahead of several African competitors...
This year, Gabon rubber production is expected to reach a record level, propelling the country ahead of several African competitors... It is not surprising, therefore, that the planters are jumping for joy.
> Read the article from Gabon Magazine
This year, Gabon rubber production is expected to reach a record level, propelling the country ahead of several African competitors... It is not surprising, therefore, that the planters are jumping for joy.
> Read the article from Gabon Magazine
Korean investors to become partners of the future Libreville airport
Libreville awaits the building of its second airport. Built at the initiative of the President of the Republic, this modern new airport is compliant with international standards and will relieve traffic at the existing Libreville airport, and allow the latest, large capacity passenger aircraft to land.
The Transport Minister, Pierre Claver Manganga Moussavou, presented the project to Korean investors who confirmed their wish to become partners in its implementation.
NOVACOM Associés – end June 2007
The Transport Minister, Pierre Claver Manganga Moussavou, presented the project to Korean investors who confirmed their wish to become partners in its implementation.
NOVACOM Associés – end June 2007
China to reinvest in civil engineering projects
After the signing of the project for the exploitation of iron deposits at Belinga, the building of the Parliamentary Palace, the Senate Palace, a number of hospitals, the cité de l’information and the first road building project, won in April 2006 following an International call for tenders, China is once again seeking to invest in the construction of administrative buildings.
Chinese investors met with the Minister of Civil Engineering, Idriss Ngari, on June 11, in order to submit their proposal to him. The Minister confirmed his intention of giving the contract for the construction of administrative buildings to China.
NOVACOM Associés – End June 2007
Chinese investors met with the Minister of Civil Engineering, Idriss Ngari, on June 11, in order to submit their proposal to him. The Minister confirmed his intention of giving the contract for the construction of administrative buildings to China.
NOVACOM Associés – End June 2007
Gabon Telecom cuts call rates by almost 85%
The new management of Gabon Telecom (now controlled by Maroc Télécom, which owns 51% of the company) announced a reduction in rates for international calls from landlines. The cost of a call to Africa will be XAF250 (excl. tax), XAF280 (excl. tax) to Europe and the Middle East and XAF320 (excl. tax) to America and Oceania.
NOVACOM Associés – End June 2007
NOVACOM Associés – End June 2007
Celtel launches “One network” in Gabon
Celtel International launched “One network” in September 2006, to enable customers to move around from country to country without having to change SIM card, be billed at the local rates of the country they are in (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), with no more roaming charges and no charge for incoming calls.
After launching web2sms, a new service for sending groups of sms text messages to one or more addresses via the Internet, Celtel is extending the cover of its borderless network to more than 160 million people in Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo.
This expansion of the One Network brand is also an important stage in the economic development of Central Africa and East Africa. "We are delighted to give a warm welcome to the expansion of One Network, for it will encourage growth in trade between countries within Africa. By strengthening the links between regional markets and lowering the cost of cross-border trade, we are giving companies new growth opportunities and also encouraging multinational corporations to become more involved in economies that are increasingly well connected” announced Mr Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
President Bongo particularly wanted to “congratulate Celtel for the launch of One Network, which will allow millions of Africans - particularly families separated by borders that are a legacy of colonialism – to make contact with each other and maintain that contact. This initiative will no doubt contribute to promoting Unity and Peace in Africa in general, and in Gabon in particular. "
NOVACOM Associés – End June 2007
After launching web2sms, a new service for sending groups of sms text messages to one or more addresses via the Internet, Celtel is extending the cover of its borderless network to more than 160 million people in Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo.
This expansion of the One Network brand is also an important stage in the economic development of Central Africa and East Africa. "We are delighted to give a warm welcome to the expansion of One Network, for it will encourage growth in trade between countries within Africa. By strengthening the links between regional markets and lowering the cost of cross-border trade, we are giving companies new growth opportunities and also encouraging multinational corporations to become more involved in economies that are increasingly well connected” announced Mr Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
President Bongo particularly wanted to “congratulate Celtel for the launch of One Network, which will allow millions of Africans - particularly families separated by borders that are a legacy of colonialism – to make contact with each other and maintain that contact. This initiative will no doubt contribute to promoting Unity and Peace in Africa in general, and in Gabon in particular. "
NOVACOM Associés – End June 2007
Telecel Gabon to invest more than XAF20 billion to expand network coverage
Philippe Vandebrouck, CEO of Telecel Gabon (a subsidiary of Atlantique Telecom) announced the release of XAF20 billion to develop its telephone network and offer subscribers innovative products, at the leading edge of technology.
Note that it was Telecel Gabon who launched “Unik” providing subscribers with a single rate for all national calls from a landline and to other networks for XAF190/minute, and XAF500/minute for international calls.
NOVACOM Associés – End June 2007
Note that it was Telecel Gabon who launched “Unik” providing subscribers with a single rate for all national calls from a landline and to other networks for XAF190/minute, and XAF500/minute for international calls.
NOVACOM Associés – End June 2007
Tourism and National Parks
Rainforest Africa goes on show
A high-level delegation of french businessmen, led by Renaud Dutreuil, the French Minister of trade, Small and Medium Businesses and Small-Scale Industry, and Jean Marc Simon, the French Ambassador to Gabon, has made an exploratory visit to see for themselves some of Gabon's extraordinary natural assets.
Président Bongo, who personally welcomed Mr Dutreuil at the presidential palace, had invited the French ministry's collaboration in the development of his country that has not been spoiled by mass tourism, "said Mr Dutreuil." There is so much potential here." The businessmen , with existing financial interests in beach vacations, adventure holidays and ecotourism, were keen to learn more about investment opportunities in Gabon.
During their visit, they toured several of the country's national parks and met with leading figures in the sector, including the Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and Tourism Pierre Claver Maganga Mousavou to discuss the challenges facing the industrry. These include a need for better roads, the construction of hotels and lodges, and a visitor-friendly visa system.
With uo to 20 per cent of its plant species found nowhere else in the world, more than 60,000 forest elephants, 700 species of birds, 70 species of reptiles, 190 species of mammals including 20,000 lowland gorillas and 30,000 chimpanzees, Gabon is an environmental treasure. Yet despite the fact that it has 800 kilometres of stunning coastline and 13 national parks hosting some of the richest rainforest biodiversity in the world, tourism is so far undeveloper, contribution only 1 per cent to GDP.
Source Gabon Magazine summer 2007
A high-level delegation of french businessmen, led by Renaud Dutreuil, the French Minister of trade, Small and Medium Businesses and Small-Scale Industry, and Jean Marc Simon, the French Ambassador to Gabon, has made an exploratory visit to see for themselves some of Gabon's extraordinary natural assets.
Président Bongo, who personally welcomed Mr Dutreuil at the presidential palace, had invited the French ministry's collaboration in the development of his country that has not been spoiled by mass tourism, "said Mr Dutreuil." There is so much potential here." The businessmen , with existing financial interests in beach vacations, adventure holidays and ecotourism, were keen to learn more about investment opportunities in Gabon.
During their visit, they toured several of the country's national parks and met with leading figures in the sector, including the Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and Tourism Pierre Claver Maganga Mousavou to discuss the challenges facing the industrry. These include a need for better roads, the construction of hotels and lodges, and a visitor-friendly visa system.
With uo to 20 per cent of its plant species found nowhere else in the world, more than 60,000 forest elephants, 700 species of birds, 70 species of reptiles, 190 species of mammals including 20,000 lowland gorillas and 30,000 chimpanzees, Gabon is an environmental treasure. Yet despite the fact that it has 800 kilometres of stunning coastline and 13 national parks hosting some of the richest rainforest biodiversity in the world, tourism is so far undeveloper, contribution only 1 per cent to GDP.
Source Gabon Magazine summer 2007
Proposed law for National Parks
In January, the Cabinet adopted a proposed law on National Parks.
This law is designed to strengthen the legal framework for National Parks by making them part of the country’s public domain, facilitating financing and mobilizing resources as well as setting the terms for partner involvement.
The National Parks Counsel operates under the authority of the President of the Republic. Its mission will be to assist the government in creating and implementing National Park policy.
The National Park Agency, a separate moral and financial entity, is responsible for park management.
The scientific committee will act as a consultant and a moral advisor.
> Gabon’s national parks
February 2006
The National Parks Counsel operates under the authority of the President of the Republic. Its mission will be to assist the government in creating and implementing National Park policy.
The National Park Agency, a separate moral and financial entity, is responsible for park management.
The scientific committee will act as a consultant and a moral advisor.
> Gabon’s national parks
February 2006
Gabon protects its forests with strict forestry laws
Spanning 267,677 square kilometers with over sixty commercially viable tree species, Gabon is a forest nation. Approximately 85% of its land is covered in forests, stretching across nearly 22 million hectares. Faced with the possibility that unregulated logging could decimate this extraordinary natural resource within a few short years,
the government implemented a new set of forestry laws for the use and protection of Gabon’s forests.
This code, adopted in 2001 required timber companies to submit a sustainability plan before the end of December 2005 in order to retain their operating permits. This plan must also contain a list of trees that can be logged and those that must be protected. <
Companies must then present a logging plan dividing their land into units and implement a twenty-five year rotation for each unit to give the forest time to regenerate.
> The timber industry in Gabon
February 2006
the government implemented a new set of forestry laws for the use and protection of Gabon’s forests.
This code, adopted in 2001 required timber companies to submit a sustainability plan before the end of December 2005 in order to retain their operating permits. This plan must also contain a list of trees that can be logged and those that must be protected. <
Companies must then present a logging plan dividing their land into units and implement a twenty-five year rotation for each unit to give the forest time to regenerate.
> The timber industry in Gabon
February 2006
Use of mining resources
Gabon produced 2.5 million tons of manganese in 2004, accounting for nearly 25% of the supply on the international market. The Moanda deposit in Eastern Gabon is operated by Comilog, a subsidiary of the French company Eramet.
« Mining will start at the Okondja deposit in two years, and there is another deposit further south,» explained Mr. Onouviet, Gabon’s Minister of Mining, Energy, Oil and Hydraulics.
« In addition, we are conducting talks with China and Brazil regarding iron mining. This is a market experiencing tremendous growth due to Chinese demand in Belinga. The Gabonese government will soon announce its final decision on the allocation of the mine. »
> Gabon’s natural resources
February 2006
« Mining will start at the Okondja deposit in two years, and there is another deposit further south,» explained Mr. Onouviet, Gabon’s Minister of Mining, Energy, Oil and Hydraulics.
« In addition, we are conducting talks with China and Brazil regarding iron mining. This is a market experiencing tremendous growth due to Chinese demand in Belinga. The Gabonese government will soon announce its final decision on the allocation of the mine. »
> Gabon’s natural resources
February 2006
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