Gabon has signed an initial agreement on manganese cooperation during President Brice Oligui Nguema’s state visit to France, as the two countries seek to strengthen economic ties and expand collaboration in the mining sector.
The agreement focuses on manganese, a key mineral used in steel production and increasingly important in battery technologies. Details of the agreement, including its financial value, implementation timeline and specific partners involved, were not immediately disclosed.
Gabon is one of the world’s leading producers of manganese, with the mineral representing a significant component of the country’s mining sector and export earnings. The country’s main manganese operations are located in the Moanda region in southeastern Gabon.
The agreement was announced during President Oligui Nguema’s official visit to France, his first state visit to the country since taking office following the 2023 military takeover that ended Ali Bongo’s presidency.
Gabonese and French officials said the discussions covered economic cooperation, investment and strategic partnerships. The two countries have maintained longstanding relations, with France remaining one of Gabon’s major international partners.
The manganese agreement comes as Gabon works to increase the value derived from its natural resources. Authorities have previously emphasized the need to move beyond the export of raw minerals by encouraging local processing and greater domestic participation in the mining value chain.
Analysts say resource governance, environmental safeguards and equitable distribution of mining revenues remain important considerations for mineral-rich African countries seeking to use natural resources to support economic development.
The Gabonese government has not released further details on the terms of the preliminary agreement or the expected impact on local communities and the broader mining industry. Further negotiations are expected before any final arrangements are concluded.
Leave a comment