Africa Economy

As part of its economic diversification strategy, Gabon is developing three new special economic zones (SEZs), offering companies a range of investment incentives, each of which is to be dedicated to the development of different industrial sectors.

Following a sharp drop since mid-2014 in the international price of oil, which is by far Gabon’s biggest source of export and fiscal revenues, the country is in the midst of a significant oil price shock. However, the government is better placed to avoid a pro-cyclical response than in previous oil crises, and the financial sector appears to...

The economy of Gabon has been driven in large part by its abundant wealth of natural resources, which have allowed it to support one of the highest per capita GDPs on the continent. However, the country’s economy has reached a critical juncture in 2016, with the decrease in the international price of oil since mid-2014 having both highlighted...

Host nations of international sporting competitions often draw on national symbols as inspiration for the mascots they design as event ambassadors. In March 2016 Gabon unveiled its 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (ACN) mascot: a black panther called Samba.

Situated within the Congo Basin, Gabon’s extensive and largely untouched forests, which feature a wide variety of wildlife, were also home to a group of filmmakers and actors for six weeks in 2014, when they came to the country looking for the perfect wilderness location to shoot several scenes for a remake of the film, The Legend...

VISAS: Most visitors are required to obtain a visa in advance, and this is best done in the visitor’s country of residence. The process can often be a lengthy one, and business visas require an invitation from a Gabon-based entity. In some cases proof of employment may also be requested.