• Mining budget to surge 1,390% to CFA68.12 billion, up from CFA4.56 billion
• Government targets diversification beyond oil and stronger resource value
• New funding to support exploration, gold and manganese output, and reforms

Gabon plans a sharp increase in funding for its mining sector, with the 2026 budget rising to CFA68.12 billion from CFA4.56 billion in 2025, according to a proposal presented on October 21 before the Transitional National Assembly’s Finance Committee by Mines and Geological Resources Minister Gilles Nembe. The 1,390% increase marks a turning point in national strategy.

The ministry said the unprecedented rise reflects the government’s goal of making mining “a driver of sustainable development, job creation, and natural resource development,” while helping diversify the economy and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.

Priority actions for 2026 include exploration beyond manganese and iron, increasing gold and manganese production, and drafting seven implementing decrees for the new mining law.

The ministry also plans 244 inspection missions at exploration sites, gold resource assessments for Koumba, Eteke, Minkebe, and Konossoville permits, interconnection of four internal departments, and completion of staff record archiving.

The plan will be backed by tax incentives and support for training and research to attract private investment while ensuring local wealth redistribution through job creation and skills transfer.

With this record budget, Gabon aims to boost the mining sector’s contribution to the economy. Once driven almost entirely by manganese and representing just 4% of GDP in 2009, mining now accounts for about 6% and is expected to surpass 10% in the coming years.