Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma has set his sights firmly on Turkey as a strategic partner in the transformation of Gabon’s natural resources, marking a significant geopolitical pivot away from traditional allies like France and Russia.
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, President Oligui Nguéma arrived in Ankara for a high-level state visit aimed at securing Turkish investment and expertise across key sectors. The visit underscores a bold ambition to fast-track Gabon’s industrialisation and attract long-term partners willing to invest in local development.
During his stay, the Gabonese leader met with prominent Turkish investors to showcase Gabon’s economic potential. Among them was Cengiz Holding, a heavyweight in engineering and infrastructure, expressing interest in road construction and the deep-water port project in Mayumba. Industry giant Gülsan Holding also indicated its intent to invest in Gabon’s hydroelectric projects, a critical area for energy security.
Urban development, too, is part of the growing collaboration. Hakan Kıran Architecture has proposed to support Gabon’s ongoing urban transformation, while Liv Hospital—already involved in Gabon’s healthcare sector—plans to expand cooperation through skills development and training programmes for Gabonese medical professionals, including clinical immersion in Turkey.
“Trust and mutual interest are the foundation of this partnership,” President Oligui Nguéma said, voicing confidence in the Turkish firms’ commitment to Gabon’s growth. Turkish Airlines’ increasing presence in Gabon and the active role of Turkish firms in major infrastructure projects—including the Cité de la Démocratie and the Transition Boulevard—further underline Ankara’s deepening ties with Libreville.
The centerpiece of the discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was the local processing of Gabon’s raw materials, with January 2029 set as the deadline to implement reforms aimed at adding value domestically.
Beyond economic matters, the bilateral talks covered a broad range of strategic sectors, including defence, diplomacy, fisheries, aquaculture, and vocational training. The Gabonese leader is also expected to visit Istanbul for meetings with Turkish companies and a roundtable with business leaders to deepen investment ties.
Gabon’s overtures to Turkey highlight a deliberate diversification strategy, shifting from a decades-long reliance on traditional partners such as France, Russia, China, and India. As the country seeks to shed its dependence on unprocessed commodity exports, Turkey has emerged as a key ally in its drive toward industrialisation and infrastructure modernisation.
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