Gabon plans 120 million euro high-security prison in Nkoltang

Gabon is planning the construction of a high-security prison in Nkoltang, Plaine Ayémé, designed to hold approximately 1,100 detainees. The project was presented to President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema by Justice Minister Augustin Emane and representatives from Swiss Invest and Invest Private Capital Group SRO.

The proposed facility aims to address prison overcrowding, modernize aging infrastructure, and improve detention conditions and prisoner reintegration. The construction is estimated to take 36 months, pending necessary administrative procedures.

The project carries an estimated cost of 120 million euros (approximately 90 billion FCFA). While the technical characteristics and timeline have been discussed, questions remain regarding the specific financing model—such as whether it will be a public-private partnership or a state-backed loan—and the transparency of the partner selection process.