Economic Diversification: Gabon Aims to Multiply Its Mining Budget by 15 in 2026

In the context of diversification beyond oil and deep budgetary reform, the Gabonese authorities are dedicating an unprecedented increase in public resources to the mining sector in 2026, aiming to make it a key driver of economic transformation.

In Gabon, the government plans to increase the budget of the Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources from 4.56 billion CFA francs (around €7 million) in 2025 to 68.12 billion CFA francs (around €95 million) in 2026, representing a leap of over 1,390%. This exceptional increase marks a break from previous years, during which the national mining sector remained underfunded despite its potential.

According to the ministry, headed by Gilles Nembe, who gained experience at Comilog, a mining company subsidiary of the French group Eramet, this ramp-up “reflects the government’s desire to make the mining sector a lever for sustainable development, job creation, and the valorization of natural resources.”

The objective is twofold: to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and to build a productive economy based on local resources. Accordingly, several priority actions are planned from 2026, including the exploration of new deposits beyond manganese and iron, the increase of gold and manganese production, as well as the drafting of seven implementing texts for the new mining law.