Construction & Real Estate

The construction industry has been a major driver of growth in recent years as Gabon has made moves to upgrade its infrastructure. These include major road projects, two new hydroelectric dams, port extensions and the construction of a new international terminal at Port-Gentil International Airport. Housing projects have also been important given the estimated deficit of 200,000 homes nationwide. In spite of this high demand – and, indeed, a need for affordable housing – the real estate market has been largely backed by luxury housing projects. The government has in recent years sought to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles in the real estate sector and created several new institutions to aid in the sector’s development. This chapter contains an interview with Yannick Mokanda, Director-General, National Agency for Urban Planning, Topographical Works and Land Registry (ANUTTC).