President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon presided over the signing of a $500 million agreement with Millenial Potash in Washington, marking a major step forward in Gabon’s efforts to harness its mineral wealth and expand economic cooperation with the United States.
The contract, announced by the Gabonese presidency on Tuesday, was formalised during the multilateral summit on critical minerals hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal focuses on the development of the Mayumba potash deposit, a strategic asset in Gabon’s south-western coastal region.
The project is expected to yield an annual output of 800,000 tons of fertilizer and create 975 direct jobs. Officials say it represents one of the largest single foreign investments in Gabon’s mining sector in recent years.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Oligui Nguema highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, stating, “This partnership marks a new era of cooperation with the United States in priority sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and the local processing of natural resources.”
The Gabonese government sees the deal as a cornerstone of its broader economic diplomacy strategy, aimed at fostering sustainable growth through value-added investments and diversification away from traditional oil revenues.
Potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer, is increasingly seen as a critical mineral in ensuring global food security. With rising demand driven by agricultural needs, the Mayumba project has the potential to position Gabon as a significant player in the global fertilizer market.
According to officials, the agreement aligns with Gabon’s ambition to transition toward an industrialised economy that benefits from its natural resource endowment through responsible and locally beneficial exploitation.
The signing comes amid a wider U.S. push to secure reliable sources of critical minerals, positioning Africa as a strategic partner in reshaping global supply chains.
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