The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the Government of Gabon have signed a new implementation partnership aimed at accelerating the country’s participation in Africa’s single market and transforming its industrial and export potential into tangible trade opportunities. This partnership was formalized during a two-day official visit to Gabon by the AfCFTA Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene.
During his visit, the Secretary-General held extensive high-level engagements with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Vice-President Hermann Immongault, the Minister of Trade, SMEs, and Youth Entrepreneurship, Zenaba Gninga Channing, as well as other senior officials and private sector representatives. President Oligui Nguema reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to implementing the AfCFTA Agreement, emphasizing the country’s efforts to become a leading player in Africa’s economic integration agenda. In response, Secretary-General Wamkele Mene praised Gabon’s determination to strengthen its role in continental trade and industrial development.
A major focus of the visit was a public-private dialogue where Gabonese businesses and AfCFTA experts discussed trade opportunities, challenges, logistics, and the “Rules of Origin” requirements. The AfCFTA Secretariat showcased various support tools for the business community, including the Rules of Origin Manual, the AfCFTA e-Tariff Book, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund. Special emphasis was placed on strategies to help women and youth-led enterprises become competitive in the African market. Minister Zenaba Gninga Channing urged Gabonese businesses to move beyond the export of raw materials and focus on producing and exporting higher-value goods to the continent.
Another significant outcome of the visit was the advancement of plans for a one-stop border post at Kye-Ossi, located at the junction of Gabon, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. This project is expected to integrate digital trade facilitation tools, reduce trade barriers, and improve regional connectivity. At the regional level, the Secretary-General met with the leadership of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). With all ECCAS member states having ratified the agreement, both parties agreed to develop a joint action plan to accelerate AfCFTA implementation across Central Africa.
