Gabon tapped as key partner in OEACP’s central africa strategy push

On July 21, Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema welcomed OEACP Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki to Libreville, during the latter’s official tour of the sub-region.

The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the OEACP’s regional outreach, as the newly appointed Secretary-General embarks on a five-year mandate aimed at reforming the institution and deepening bilateral cooperation with member states.

“This is part of the mission I have launched with Central African countries. I am the new Secretary-General,” said Batraki following the high-level discussions. He used the opportunity to present the organisation’s strategic priorities, review its current institutional standing, and outline upcoming governance and efficiency reforms.

One of the focal points of the visit was the preparation for the upcoming OEACP Heads of State and Government Summit, scheduled to take place later this year in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

During their meeting, Secretary-General Batraki sought President Oligui Nguema’s support for both the summit and a major investment and private sector forum that will be held on its sidelines.

“The Head of State has agreed to be our champion for the upcoming forum. This forum will focus on investment and private sector development,” said Batraki, confirming that President Oligui Nguema will serve as the event’s honorary chair.

Discussions also touched on broader cooperation opportunities between Gabon and the OEACP, particularly around development financing and the implementation of major infrastructure and economic transformation projects.

Batraki reiterated the organisation’s full commitment to supporting Gabon’s national development agenda and economic reforms.

The visit underscores Gabon’s emerging role as a strategic partner in the OEACP’s Central Africa framework, as the organisation seeks to revitalise its mission across its 79 member states.