(Ecofin Agency) - In 2016, investments in the rubber sector stood at FCFA11.1 billion in Gabon, thus consolidating the government’s objective to boost agribusiness. 

The funds were spent to develop and expand rubber plantations, regenerate plant cover in these, and improve productivity. Regardless, there was some underperformance due to degradation of processed volumes. 

According to the general directorate of Economy, due to the plantations’ aging, natural rubber production slumped by 6.9% in 2016 to 28,699 tonnes against 30,818 tonnes in 2015. 

Same goes for volumes of processed humid rubber to crumb which decreased by 15.8% to 14,917 tonnes. 

Meanwhile, crumb rubber exports slumped by 21.6% over the period considered, standing at 14,122 tonnes. As for turnover, it fell by 25.3% compared to 2015.   

Stéphane Billé