Gabon prepares Makokou for upcoming Liberation Festival with tourism upgrades

The Gabonese government has dispatched Tourism Minister Marcelle Ibinga Itsitsa, accompanied by Communications Minister Germain Biahodjow, to Makokou to ready the town for the national Liberation Festival scheduled for August 30. The delegation inspected hotel facilities, urging operators to meet hygiene standards and improve service quality ahead of the expected influx of thousands of visitors.

The team also visited the site earmarked for Fortescue Metals’ future administrative base near the Belinga hotel, a project tied to the region’s iron‑ore mine. Fortescue’s operations director Shadi Savadi said the base and hotel will create “a synergy economic and functional for the territory.” Further work continues on the Makokou‑Kongou road to improve access to the Kongou waterfalls, a key ecotourism attraction.

These efforts aim to boost Makokou’s tourism profile, support local economic development, and ensure the festival proceeds smoothly.