Gabon's Oligui Nguema Secures Manganese, Aviation Deals in France

Gabon's president, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, led a three‑day state visit to Paris from 20 July 2026. He met French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed a range of bilateral issues. A strategic protocol with French miner Eramet was signed, outlining a roadmap to process up to 700 000 tonnes of Gabonese manganese locally by 2031 and to halt raw‑manganese exports by 2029. The agreement also creates an industrial seed‑fund aimed at generating about 3 000 jobs and includes a joint committee to monitor projects. In parallel, a pilot bio‑charcoal plant was launched in Lastourville, with plans for a 10 000‑tonne annual facility by 2029, supported by the same Eramet partnership. Aviation ties were deepened when Air France and FlyGabon agreed on a code‑share arrangement that will allow FlyGabon to sell tickets to Paris under its own code, positioning Libreville as a regional hub. During the visit, President Nguema also convened Gabonese diplomatic staff in Paris, urging greater professionalism and punctuality. Other agenda items included the future of the French military base at Libreville and broader economic cooperation. The series of agreements marks a major shift toward industrialisation and deeper Gabon‑France ties.