Industrialization in Gabon: Three Key Pillars for Success
During the Fita 2024 event organized by Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC) on June 11-12, Arnaud Mouckaga-Onanga, cabinet director and company administrator, highlighted the essential prerequisites for industrialization.
Here are the three pillars to support a growing economy and ensure a successful transition to sustainable industrialization:
Infrastructure and Logistics
Gabon, like many other African countries, faces significant infrastructure challenges. Mouckaga-Onanga emphasized the difficulties related to evacuation and distribution of products. To address this, it is necessary to develop a robust road network, improve river navigability, and build a solid railway network. These improvements will not only facilitate the transportation of goods but also stimulate economic growth by facilitating commercial exchanges.
Energy Problematic
Energy supply is another major obstacle to industrialization. Gabon, like other nations, suffers from an energy deficit that hinders industrial development. Ensuring stability in energy supply is crucial to attract investors and support local industries. Mouckaga-Onanga stressed the importance of guaranteeing reliable energy supply to encourage project holders and funders to invest in Gabon.
Professional Training and Competence
Professional training is the third pillar for successful industrialization. Industrial growth requires high-level skills, and Gabon places particular emphasis on training and skills transfer. By opening up to international collaborations, particularly with countries recognized for their expertise like Tunisia, Gabon aims to strengthen its human and technical capacities.
The Wood Industry Example
Mouckaga-Onanga illustrated his points with the example of the wood industry. In 2010, Gabon decided to no longer export raw wood, requiring it to be processed locally. This decision had significant economic repercussions, creating over 6,000 direct jobs and generating over $1 billion for the Gabonese economy. This local transformation policy can be applied to other sectors, demonstrating the potential of industrialization to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.