Gabon is pursuing new investments in oil refining, natural gas, mining and construction equipment manufacturing following talks between President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and several international companies in Beijing, China.
The meetings were held on Friday, November 6, 2026, on the sidelines of the Gabonese president’s state visit to China.
Among the companies received by the president was Société Gabonaise de Raffinage (SOGARA) and its partners for a proposed new refinery, whose construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028.
The new facility is expected to triple Gabon’s existing refining capacity.
President Oligui Nguema also met representatives of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which holds the permit for the Léopard offshore gas field near Gamba.
Discussions included plans to construct a pipeline to transport gas from the field to onshore facilities.
The president also received representatives of Emirati mining group NEM and its subsidiary, Dusk Gabon, which presented a technical study for the Mabounié niobium and rare earths project.
The study was undertaken with engineering partner ENFI. The project envisages an investment of $2 billion and the creation of more than 2,500 direct jobs.
Another company involved in the discussions was SDLG, a major global manufacturer of construction equipment, which expressed interest in establishing an assembly plant in Gabon.
The proposed facility is expected to be located in the Nkok Special Economic Zone and would include training opportunities for young Gabonese.
The engagements form part of Gabon’s efforts to attract investment into strategic industries and increase domestic processing of its natural resources.
President Oligui Nguema stressed that industrial partnerships must generate employment, develop local skills and create additional value within Gabon.
His priorities include accelerating the proposed refinery project, developing infrastructure to bring offshore gas onshore, processing niobium locally and establishing construction equipment assembly operations in the country.
