AfCFTA, Gabon seal Implementation Partnership to accelerate Continental Trade Integration

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the Government of Gabon have strengthened their partnership to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. Thisfollows a two-day official visit by the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Mr WamkeleMene, to Gabon from 18 to 19 June 2026.

The visit, which culminated in a renewed commitment to deepen continental trade integration, focused on translating Gabon’s industrial and export potential into tangible access to Africa’s single market.

High-Level Engagement

During the visit, Secretary-General Mene was received by the President of the Republic of Gabon, Mr Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, alongside key government officials, including the Vice-President of the Government, Mr Hermann Immongault; the Vice-President of the Republic, Mr Hugues Alexandre BarroChambrier; and the Minister of Trade, SMEs and Youth Entrepreneurship, Madam Zenaba Gninga Channing.

Discussions centred on strengthening cooperation between Gabon and the AfCFTA Secretariat, mobilising the private sector to take advantage of opportunities under the continental free trade area, and advancing practical trade facilitation initiatives.

President Nguema reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to fully implementing the AfCFTA Agreement and playing an active role in advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.

Secretary-General Mene welcomed the President’s commitment, describing it as a strong signal of Gabon’s ambition to become a leading player in both Central African and continental trade integration.

Empowering Businesses for Continental Trade

A high-level public-private sector dialogue held in Libreville brought together business leaders and AfCFTA experts to discuss opportunities and challenges associated with accessing African markets.

The discussions highlighted issues such as competitiveness, access to finance, logistics, and compliance with Rules of Origin requirements. Participants were also introduced to key AfCFTAinstruments designed to facilitate trade, including the Rules of Origin Manual, the e-Tariff Book, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund.

Secretary-General Mene underscored the strategic importance of Gabon’s Nkok Special Economic Zone, particularly its timber-processing and pharmaceutical industries, noting that Gabonese products have significant potential to access markets across West, East, and North Africa.

For her part, Minister Channing encouraged local entrepreneurs to transition from observers to active participants in intra-African trade by focusing on value addition, industrialisation, and exports.

Advancing Regional Connectivity

A major highlight of the visit was the proposal to establish a One-Stop Border Post at Kye-Ossi, located at the tri-border area connecting Gabon, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea.

The initiative is expected to integrate digital trade facilitation tools, improve border efficiency, and increase commercial transactions within Central Africa.

Secretary-General Mene also welcomed the signing of a cooperation agreement among the Chambers of Commerce of the three countries and encouraged their participation in the AfCFTA Secretariat’s Private Sector Dialogue platform.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

As part of the visit, Secretary-General Mene met with the Vice-President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Madam Mariam Mahamat Nour.

The meeting reaffirmed the critical role of Regional Economic Communities in advancing the objectives of the AfCFTA. ECCAS noted that all its member states have ratified the AfCFTA Agreement and its protocols, marking a significant milestone for the region.

Both institutions agreed to develop a joint action plan aimed at accelerating implementation and deepening regional economic integration.

Looking Ahead

The Secretary-General encouraged Gabonese businesses to take advantage of upcoming continental trade opportunities, particularly the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from 5 to 11 November 2027.

The event is expected to provide a valuable platform for Gabonese enterprises to connect with buyers, investors, and business partners from across Africa.

The AfCFTA Agreement is projected to increase intra-African trade by more than 52 percent, creating new opportunities for businesses, boosting industrialisation, and strengthening economic resilience across the continent.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment between the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Government of Gabon, and regional stakeholders to move beyond policy commitments and focus on concrete implementation actions that will unlock the full benefits of Africa’s single market.