Gabon launches Kobe-Kobe Port construction project

Gabon’s president and head of state, Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, has officially launched construction works for the Kobe-Kobe deep-water port in Nyonie, located in the Komo-Ocean department

The inauguration ceremony marked a significant milestone for the country’s infrastructure development agenda and brought together government officials, administrative authorities, legislative representatives, traditional leaders, and members of the diplomatic community accredited to Gabon.

The deep-water mineral port project follows a tripartite agreement signed on 23 April 2026 between the Gabonese State, Africa Global Logistics (AGL), and the Algest Investment Bank group. With the commencement of construction, the project has moved into its implementation phase.

Located along the Atlantic coast in the Estuary province, the large-scale development will cover approximately 500 hectares. The project includes a mineral port with four berths, a 535 km mineral railway line, the 400 MW Booué hydroelectric dam, and infrastructure supporting the Belinga iron mine, which is expected to reach a production capacity of 100 million tonnes of iron annually.

The integrated infrastructure network will provide a connection between mining production areas, railway facilities, and the port platform, enabling the transport and export of processed mineral products to international markets.

The Kobe-Kobe project reflects Gabon’s broader ambition to develop, process, and maximise the value of its natural resources at a regional level. It aligns with the Head of State’s vision of creating strategic infrastructure that supports resource extraction, industrial processing, and exports while promoting economic transformation, employment creation, territorial development, and greater industrial sovereignty.

Through the development of these interconnected infrastructures, the project is expected to generate more than 9,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs by 2030.

The initiative has attracted investment and expertise from partners across multiple regions, bringing together companies involved in infrastructure, rail development, energy, mining, and mineral marketing. Key partners include AGL for infrastructure, China Railway for railway development, EDF Synohydro for energy infrastructure, Tragigura for international marketing of minerals and processed products, and Fortescue for mining and industrial expertise.

The project further reinforces Gabon’s position as an attractive investment destination supported by strong institutions, political stability, and openness to international partnerships.

The development of these strategic projects represents the implementation of the Head of State’s vision for Gabon’s economic and industrial transformation, with the objective of creating value, generating employment, strengthening competitiveness, and positioning the country as a centre of excellence in Central Africa and beyond.