Gabon turns to sustainable tourism to convert natural capital into lasting wealth

Libreville – Gabon is setting out to transform its exceptional biodiversity into an economic engine. With the unveiling of a new national strategy for sustainable tourism and handicrafts, the government launches an ambitious project that reaches far beyond the tourism sector alone.

Behind this roadmap lies a fresh vision for national development, built on valuing natural capital, creating jobs, and diversifying an economy still heavily dependent on extractive industries.

At the Cité de la Démocratie in Libreville, top state officials, technical partners, diplomats, and private sector representatives gathered for the official presentation of a strategic document set to redefine tourism’s role in Gabon’s economy. As traditional economic models show their limits and the ecological transition becomes a global priority, Gabon aims to turn its forests, national parks, culture, and handicrafts into sustainable growth assets.

The Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épouse Itsitsa, set the tone by emphasising that tourism is not merely an economic activity. In her view, it serves as a tool for territorial development, an identity showcase, and a powerful investment lever capable of transforming regions sustainably.

71 projects to change the scale

The government’s ambition rests on a simple observation: despite internationally recognised potential, Gabon’s tourism sector has never fully leveraged its strengths. Diagnostics presented at the ceremony highlighted institutional, legal, and organisational shortcomings that have hindered the emergence of a genuine tourism industry for decades.

To break this pattern, the strategy includes implementing 71 priority projects. Investments target modernising infrastructure, improving sectoral governance, professionalising operators, developing ecotourism circuits, and promoting historical, cultural, and handicraft heritage.

The stated goal is clear: significantly increase tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product while preserving the ecological integrity that makes the country unique.

In a continent where many states seek to convert natural wealth into economic opportunities, Gabon holds a rare competitive advantage. More than 88% of its territory is forested. Its national parks rank among the best-preserved in Africa. Its wildlife, flora, and landscapes constitute a global heritage whose economic value remains largely untapped.

An economy that can no longer operate in silos

The success of such a strategy depends on a key factor: coordination of public action.

The Minister of Industry, Lubin Ntoutoume, stressed strongly that no single ministry can meet this challenge alone. Developing tourism necessarily involves infrastructure, transport, culture, environment, water and forests, land planning, and vocational training.

This integrated approach reflects an important shift in economic governance. Tourism is no longer seen as a peripheral sector. It becomes a catalyst capable of driving multiple industries simultaneously, stimulating private investment, and creating jobs in areas sometimes far from major urban centres.

Handicrafts also play a strategic role in this vision. By promoting local know-how, they help preserve cultural heritage while generating income for thousands of families.

The moment of truth

The appointment of actress and producer Nelly Obono as the face of the national tourism caravan, and the commitment of artist Annie Flore to make her song Je t’invite available free of charge to promote the country, show the willingness to fully involve cultural actors in this dynamic.

But beyond symbols, the challenge now lies in execution. Vice President of the Republic, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, called on all administrations, local authorities, and economic operators to take ownership of this strategy and turn it into a tangible reality.

The official handover of the strategic document and the immediate announcement of a team to operationalise it mark the transition from reflection to action.

The third edition of the National Tourism Caravan, scheduled from 17 July to 6 September, will be the first large-scale test of this new policy.

For Gabon, the challenge goes beyond simple tourism development. It is about demonstrating that a nation can turn environmental protection into a driver of prosperity. In a world seeking more sustainable economic models, this strategy could position the country as one of Africa’s most promising laboratories for the green economy.