Gabon - Africa - (in english)

7/30/2019 Gabon - Africa - (in english)

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GABONCOUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES


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03Legacies of the ACN

SUM

MARY

Gabon and the ACN

GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES

An ambitious investmentprogramme

01

02The ACN,a success for the country


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04Green Gabon

05Industrial Gabon

06Services Gabon

Emerging Gabon:

a far-reaching strategy

to promote development in Gabon

GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES SUMMARY

INTERNATIONALGABON


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Gabon,Country of opportunities


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Legaciesofthe

ACN

0203

TheACN,asucce

ssforthecountry

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Anambitiousinvestmentprogra

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The emergence and ACN, in HR on Vimeo.

Gabonand the ACN

GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES GABON AND THE ACN

By the end of November 2011, Gabon was ready to host the 28th Africa Cup

of Nations. The infrastructure was all operational and ready to accommodate

players, media and the public in accordance with CAF requirements.


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In 2006, an announcement wasmade that Gabon had yearned

for: the country was to host

the 2012 Arica Cup o Nationsjointly with Equatorial Guinea.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba

turned the ACN into a nationalcause, mobilising the country

and receiving the wholeheartedsupport of the majority of its

citizens.

Gabon provided football fanswith one o the best ACNs ever.

The entire country rosemagnicently to the challenges

posed by the 2012 ACN,meeting deadlines, putting the

required infrastructure into placeand completing the necessary

construction work.

The 45 days of the competitionincreased Gabons internationalvisibility, demonstrated its know-

how and revealed not only theprofound changes in its economy

but also the diversity of its riches.

The 2012 ACN refecteda modern, dynamic Gabon,opening up to the world and

ocused on the uture.

An ambitiousinvestmentprogramme


TheACN,asuccessforthecountry

02

LegaciesoftheACN

03

Tarring works,

Highway 1.


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An ambitious investment programme

FAULTLESS ORGANISATION

The ANGT, a major role in thesuccess of the 2012 ACN

Established in 2012, the ANGT(national agency or majorprojects) was tasked withmanaging the constructiono the inrastructure requiredor the ACN. It also playeda leading technical role in respecto maintenance and security,and the management o lighting,audiovisual systems andcommunications. The qualityo its work contributed greatlyto the success o the event.

Full marks for the securitysystem

A radical security plan ensuredthat the competition passed owithout incident or locals,players and supporters, whohailed rom many countriesin Arica and urther afeld.

All ACN sites were under 24/7surveillance and were inspectedbeore each match. Each sportingdelegation was given close

round-the-clock protection.Lastly, there was a monitoringunit continually collectingand processing all inormationto ensure that nothing disruptedthe smooth running o the ACN.

Large numbers o securitystaers were required, all owhom received appropriatetraining.


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02

Superb health logistics

All the necessary human andphysical resources were in place

to anticipate unknown actorsand accidents that could arisethroughout the event.

Present at match sites were:

480 rst aiders, 50 doctorstrained in the use o

a semi-automatic debrillator,20 doctors trained in emergency

and disaster medicine,50 people trained in sportsmedicine and traumatology, and

17 anti-doping specialists. Landand air emergency evacuation

transport acilities were improved.

A resounding successwith the media

There were more than550 accredited journalists andphotographers o 50 diferent

nationalities at the event.98% o the journalists declared

themselves satised with themain Press Centre the nerve

centre or media operations which had been designed to bea user-riendly, ultra-efcient

acility to suit all inormationproessionals.

The technical resources provided

or the media (broadbandInternet, WiFi, restaurant,

inormation desks, pressconerence room, IT and ofceequipment etc.) were recognised

as being up to the standardo a Football World Cup

competition.

LegaciesoftheACN

03

Tarring of district Angondj,

Libreville.


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An ambitious investment programme

INFRASTRUCTUREAPPROPRIATE

TO THE EVENT

Sports facilities

Match stadiumsThe specifcations rom theArican Football Federation

(CAF) demanded that two matchstadiums each seating aminimum o 20,000 people

be provided by each o the

organising countries.

Training stadiums6 training stadiums with

natural tur built or the ACNin Libreville and the provinceo Haut Ogooue.

INTERACTIVE MAPSTADIUM OF GABON

click on city names

GABON

CAMEROON

CONGO

Franceville

Moanda

Bongoville

Ngouoni

Libreville

EQUATORIAL

GUINEA

Friendship Stadium,

Libreville.


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Transport andtelecommunications

To acilitate access to the varioussites, 70 kilometres of roadswere built by the ANGT.

Exceptional measures werealso implemented in Librevilleand Franceville to enable

the movement o players,ofcials, members o the media

and supporters

Health

The health sector also receivedinvestment in order to ensure

optimum medical cover or allthose involved in the event,

including spectators.

Hotels and tourist infrastructure

To provide optimumaccommodation or players,aparthotels with sports halls andswimming pools were built closeto the training stadiums

(Libreville and Haut Ogooue) andone hotel was renovated(Franceville). Two hotels were

built for members of the media.

Read the full text.



02

LegaciesoftheACN

03


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TIFO, human pixel

in the Friendship Stadium stands.


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Widespread enthusiasm

On 12 February 2012, the great

Arican ootball estival reachedits climax at the Stade de lAmitie

in Libreville. The internationalmedia said that this years ACNwas without a doubt the best

in the history of the competition.

For three weeks, Aricas

heartbeat was centred in Gabonand Equatorial Guinea, as peoplewere united by their passionfor football. Many heads o stateand ootball stars such as Peleattended matches. And all

praised the dynamism of Gabon,and the way in which it had made

such a successul contributionto bringing the people o the

continent closer together.

Zambia was the undisputedwinner o the 2012 ACN. Gabonand its entire population

were winners too ... o prestige,confdence, competitiveness

and openness to the internationalcommunity.

The ACN,a success orthe country

Anambitiousin

vestmentprogr

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01GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES GABON AND THE ACN

LegaciesoftheACN

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The ACN, a success or the country

GABON,LAND OF FOOTBALL

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,a national icon

Attacker Pierre-EmerickAubameyang who trainedat AC Milan

On their way to the Olympics:Under-23 Football Team

Gabon was the frst Aricancountry to be selected or the

fnal phase o the London 2012Olympics, becoming Africas

Under-23 Champions in 2011.

Heading towards a professionalchampionship

To capitalise on the lessonslearned at the ACN and maintain

the dynamic created around

football, the President of Gabonsnational football leaguesuggested that the elitechampionship turn proessionalstarting with the 2012-2013season.

The ACN mobilisesagainst HIV/AIDS

The ACN providedthe Foundation of Sylvia BongoOndimba, Gabons First Lady,

Read the ull text.


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The gorilla GaGuie was the ofcial

mascot o the 2012 ACN, which was

jointly hosted by Gabon and Equatorial

Guinea. GaGuie symbolises the action

taken by the two countries to protect

the gorilla, an endangered species.

905GABONESE VOLUNTEERS

WERE INVOLVED IN THE ACN.On Day 10 of the competition,

they created a human pixel.

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vestmentprogr

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LegaciesoftheACN

03

Friendship stadium,

at night. Released balloons

or the ACN without AIDS

Video HR on Vimeo.


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Gathering of volunteers

of the ACN.


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The ACN, a vectorfor economic growth

Following the recession in 2009due to the international economic

crisis and the all in the oil price,recovery has met expectations

since 2010 with growth o over

5%, supported particularlyby large corporate investment

leading up to the 2012 ACN.Over USD500 million wasinvested in inrastructure

that constitutes a long-termlegacy to support Gabonssocio-economic development.

In order to comply with the

standards o the ACFspecifcations, Gabon acceleratedits development and

modernisation programme inevery strategic sector. Transport,health, hotel and sports acilitieswere the major benefciaries

o the investments made. Majorprojects in these areasremodelled Gabons economic

landscape in depth, whichwill eventually enable the country

to join the group o emergingnations.

Legacieso the ACN


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vestmentprogr

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01

LaCAN2012u

nsuccspourlepays

02


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Legacies of the ACN

HUMAN BALANCE SHEET

50,000 direct and indirect jobswere created by the 2012 ACN.Skills training programmeswere also an added beneft,particularly in the felds

o hospitality, catering, healthand public works. This increase

in skills will beneft localemployment. It also provides

investors with a certaintyof competence and security.

As an illustration o the know-how, credibility and health

o the Gabonese economy,the ACN had a very positiveimpact on international

investors. Following the USA,France and China, other countries

are turning to Gabon orexample Australia, which is

keen to establish itsel in themining sector, and South Korea

in the industrial sector.

Skills transers:a spin-of o the ACN

Think local is the motto othe ANGT. This means raisingskill levels among Gabonese

people by calling on internationalexpertise. In each contractawarded to foreign investors,

it is stipulated that international

companies must train local labour,

carry out transfers of technology

and make use of local

businesses,emphasises HenriOhayon, Director o the ANGT.

These skills transers take place

on site and in training centres.

Supporters during

a Panthere match,

Friendship Stadium


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vestmentprogr

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01



THE FIGURES SPEAKFOR THEMSELVES

+5.6 %GDP is orecast to growby +5.6% in 2012.

BB-

with positivesoutlooks

Rankings agency FITCH hasupgraded Gabon romBB- with stable outlooksto BB- with positive outlooks,and plans to carry outa reassessment during 2012.

RevenuesGabons revenues rom productsother than oil have increasedconstantly ever since 2010. Thissuccess rewards the investmenteorts or the 2012 ACN and,more generally, the eorts othe President and his governmentto diversiy the economy andimprove public governance, thebusiness climate and fnancial

perormance, and reduce publicdebt through the EmergingGabon programme.

4 billionSince 2010, oreign corporationsinvested over USD4 billion inGabon, excluding mining and oilsector.


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Legacies o the ACN

A SPORTING CAPITAL

WITH GREAT POTENTIAL

Sports acilities created and

renovated or the ACN will be olong term beneft to the country.

They will be used or othertop-ranking international sports

meetings and cultural andsocio-economic events.

The Gabonese will also beneft,o course, rom this inrastructure,

which will be used by youngpeople or recreational sport and

by high-level athletes or training.

Every year, Gabon welcomes oneo the most attractive event

o the new calendar: the Amissa

Bongo Tropical, a amous cyclingrace. Created in 2006 driven

by the Gabonese authorities,the race has contributed

to the cycling developmenton an international scale.

Supported by the U.C.I, the racesets the standard or the

continental events. Tour deFrance proessionals and Arican

National Selection take partin the competition.

Gabonese children

after the ACN.


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vestmentprogr

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01



THE ACN, RAISING

GABONS PROFILE

ON THE INTERNATIONALSCENE

Gabon has taken advantage o

the ACN to strengthen its links at

all levels: with Equatorial Guinea,

with the Arican continent, andwith the rest o the internationalcommunity.

The Gabonese and

Equatoguinean organisationcommittees work was exemplary

in terms o coordination andexcellent communications.

Another illustration o the closeand ruitul cooperation betweenthe joint organisers was the

creation o a single 45-day passto acilitate ree movement

between the two countries duringthe competition. The ACN

provided a great opportunityto strengthen the links betweenthe two countries and laid

the oundations or urtherrapprochement.

The whole o Arica was united

by its passion or the ACN.The huge audiences for matchbroadcasts testifed to the

enthusiasm shared by the entire

continent. A cumulative totalo 6.6 billionTV viewers ollowedthis, the greatest competition

in Arican ootball. Many headso state and government travelledto watch, indicating their interest

in this uniying event.

For three weeks Gabon wasthe worlds ootball capital andreceived exceptional exposure

on the international scene,

justiying its aim o becominga benchmark player amongthe emerging nations.


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0506

IndustrialG

abon

ServicesG

abon

04

GreenG

abon


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Emerging Gabon:a far-reaching strategyto promote developmentin Gabon

GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES EMERGING GABON

When he came to power, President Ali Bongo Ondimba

presented the Gabonese with an ambitious social project

named Emerging Gabon.

Its objective: to redeploy the management of the

countrys resources through three economic pillars:

Green Gabon, Industrial Gabon, Services Gabon.

Green Gabon is about the sustainable development of

the countrys natural heritage and riches. The main areas

of focus of the programme are reforming the forestry

code, preserving biodiversity, combating global warming,

developing eco-tourism and creating a genuine green

economy.

IndustrialGabon aims to free the economy from the

current predominance of raw material exports and

encourage local processing industries with high added

value. It also includes modernising infrastructure and

introducing new forms of partnership with international

investors.

ServicesGabon aims to promote the countrys grey oil

by making better use of local human resources. Priority

will therefore be given to education and research, skills

training and skills transfers.


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At the heart of President Ali

Bongo Ondimbas social projectis the preservation and

development of an environmentthat is unique in the world.

Inspired by a cohesive global

vision, the policy reconcilesthe imperatives of economicgrowth and ecological demands.

The challenge facing Green

Gabon therefore includesprotecting ecosystems,

developing the local timbersector, developing agriculture

and eco-tourism and promotingclean energy, all under the one

umbrella.

Gabon has an exemplaryproactive national andinternational policy on

preventing global warming.

Green GabonIndustrialGabon

05

ServicesGabon

06

River Ogoou.


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Green Gabon

AMAIN ASSETSCONTRIBUTING TO

THE SUCCESS OF GREENGABON

With 22 million hectares of forest,800 kilometres of marinecoastline and a wide variety of

ecosystems, Gabon has immensegreen potential.

The current President is keento strengthen the policy of

protecting auna and fora, so isincreasing the agencys budgetby a factor of four and steppingup anti-poaching activity.

The sustainable exploitation of

the forests is inseparable fromthe development of the localtimber sector. Hence the banon the exportation of undressed

timber since 2010 and thecreation of a Special EconomicZone (SEZ) around Libreville.

THE CONGO BASIN, THE PLANETS

SECOND LARGEST GREEN LUNG

88%The countrys forest covers anarea of 22 million hectares, i.e.

88% of the surface area of Gabon,and represents a challenge thatextends far beyond nationalborders. It is part of the CongoBasin, which is the planetssecond largest green lung afterthe Amazon.

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The Green Gabon pillarwill depend on the developmento the green oil that isour incredible ecosystem.


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With such a natural,archaeological and culturalheritage, Gabon has everything

it needs to become a touristdestination of choice. Gabon

is pursuing an active policy ofpartnership to develop hospitalityinfrastructure with the aim

of attracting 100,000 touristsper year by 2020.

Agricultural Special EconomicZone (SEZ) Franceville

With about one million hectares

of humid savannas and the mostagro-climatically conducive

conditions, Gabon is perfectly

suited to the developmentof agriculture.

In order to sustain this sector,Gabon has decided to create

an Agricultural Special EconomicZone (SEZ)

Read the full text.

IndustrialGabon

05

ServicesGabon

06GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES EMERGING GABON

Fauna and fora

in HR on Vimeo.

>> for more information:

www.en.legabon.orgGorilla, Lop Park.


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ServicesGabon

06

Green

Gabon

04

Exports o oil and gas, resourceswith a fnite liespan, have or

many years represented 50% oGabons GDP and 80% o itsexports: a situation that is

prejudicial to long term economicgrowth. A new model ofindustrial development would

appear to be needed: controlled,diversifed, sustainable and a

vector adding value to the local

economy.

The Emerging Gabon programme

embodies President Ali BongoOndimbas desire to promote the

local processing o raw materials,the export o high added valueproducts, the diversifcation o

the national economy and thecreation o skilled jobs.

With an increase of over 5%in its GDP, Gabon is reapingthe frst ruits o this policy.

As the countrys growth revives,it is entering into increasingnumbers o industrial

partnerships and becoming oneo Aricas most attractive

countries or internationalinvestors.

IndustrialGabon


Wood processing plant

in Owendo.


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Industrial Gabon

Oil

In order to better control the

activities of businesses andprovide them with a safe and

attractive environment, the Statehas drawn up a hydrocarbonscode.

A Special Economic Zone (SEZ)is currently under construction

at Mandji, north of Port-Gentil,

Mineral resources

Mining represents over 3% ofGabons GDP (iron, manganese,diamonds, gold, lead, zinc,

potassium etc.).

Gabon is currently the second

largest producer of manganese

Read the full text.

Deepwater port

Owendo.


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ServicesGabon

06

Green

Gabon



www.en.legabon.org

Energy

The objective is to reduce the

proportion of fossil fuel usedby tripling the production ofhydroelectric energy by 2016.

Substantial investment has beenmade in the production ofhydroelectricity and gas (estimated

potential of 39.59 billion m3):

The Grand Poubara hydroelectric

dam, which has a generationcapacity of 160 MW. This will come

into service in 2013 (EasternGabon)

Construction of the Imperatricehydroelectric dam, which has

a generation capacity of 84 MWand is due to come into service

in late 2013 (Northern Gabon)

Hydroelectric dam construction

project at Mitzic (Northern Gabon)

New natural gas thermal power

station at Alenakiri (Libreville) its current generating capacity of

35 MW can be increased to 70 MW.

Timber

The timber sector represents4% of Gabons GDP.

A ban on exporting undressed

timber was introduced in January2010 to relaunch the industryby developing the local processingof timber. This measure will be

accompanied by a professionaltraining programme to create

the skills required.

As evidence of this economicambition, 40% of the surface area

of the Nkok Special Economic

Zone (SEZ) near Libreville hasbeen set aside exclusively for

the timber processing industry.


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Young gabonese at schoolduring IT tutoring.


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Services Gabon is based on thedevelopment o grey oil, or in

other words, the countrys humanresources. The declared aim o this

policy - initiated by the President -is to make Gabon a regionalbenchmark or fnancial services,the new inormation andcommunication technologies and

service disciplines connected withthe green economy.

The objectives o Services Gabon

are to help the country to becomea leader in business tourism and

a centre o excellence or trainingand education, and also to developits transport inrastructure and

implement measures to improvepublic health.

Services Gabon will help to create

synergies with the two other pillarso the new social programme:Industrial Gabon and Green Gabon.

It is a global strategy intendedto move the country on rom

a subsistence economy to anemerging, attractive and resolutely

modern power.

National Infrastructure Master Plan:Investment o USD12,236 billion

in inrastructure is planned over thenext six years.

ServicesGabon

Green

Gabon

04

IndustrialGabon


INTERACTIVE MAP

INFRASTRUCTURE

OF GABON

click on the map

GABON

CAMEROUN

CONGO

GUINEEQUATORIALE


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Services Gabon

Transport

Tarring 3,663 kilometres of road,i.e. 30% of the network: this

objective, to be carried out duringPhase 2 of the Road DevelopmentProgramme (PARR), needs to beachieved by 2016 to open up theprovinces and facilitate links with

neighbouring countries.

Telecommunications

Gabon is connected to the ACE

submarine cable, which links it tothe countries of Southern Europe

and provides it with access tobroadband Internet.

Higher education and training

The State has oriented the

development of higher educationtowards the creation andmodernisation of universitiesproviding high quality trainingcourses.

Infrastructure and the emergence

in HR on Vimeo.


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FROM RESEARCH

TO ACCESS TO

HEALTHCARE:HEALTH, A NATIONAL

PRIORITYHealth is an important aspect of

President Ali Bongo Ondimbas

social project.

Green

Gabon

04

IndustrialGabon


Public health and research

Gabon has internationally

recognised experience indeveloping high-tech researchcentres (combating HIV AIDS,malaria, cancer research).

Improving the businessenvironment

With competition to attractinvestment increasing in Africa as

the continent experiences stronggrowth, President Ali Bongo

Ondimba has taken a number of

measures to improve thebusiness environment and make

Gabon more attractive toinvestors.

Read the full text.


www.en.legabon.org

A gaboneseworker.

i


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Enfants gabonais

au lendemain de la CAN.

SEZS: NEW ASSETS

IN THE PROMOTION OFECONOMIC EXPANSION

The Nkok Special EconomicZone (SEZ) for the localprocessing of timber

The main aim o the Nkok SpecialEconomic Zone (SEZ) is to controlthe value chain in the timberprocessing industry. Located27 kilometres east o Libreville,the Nkok SEZ covers an areao 1,146 hectares, 40% o which isan industrial zone mainly reservedor timber processing.

The Nkok Special Economic Zone(SEZ) is the leading economiczone in Central and West Arica,with a processing capacity o1 million cubic metres per year.

Advantages of investingin the Nkok SEZ:

Tax exemption on proft / incomeor 10 years. Ater the 10th year,5% tax rate or 5 years.

Total VAT exemption. TheGovernment will reimbursecompanies or any VAT they paywithin one month o payment.

Exemption rom customs duties

on imports o equipment /machinery and spare parts.

Total reedom to repatriate unds.

Flexibility on labour imports.

Tax exemption on the supplyo services.

SPECIALECONOMIC ZONE


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SEZ OF GABON

LE GABON PAYS DOPPORTUNITS LE GABON & LA CAN

50% decrease in electricity bills.

Exemption rom withholdingtaxes.

Sales to other companies in theSEZ will be treated as exports.

Exemption rom land tax ondeveloped and undevelopedproperty.

For more inormation onthe timber sector in Gabon:Website or the Nkok Special

Economic Zone (SEZ):www.gabonadvance.com

Port-Gentil Free Zone

Located near Port-Gentil,the economic capital o Gabon,the Mandjo Island Free Zone willcover a total area o 1,500 hectares.The management o the Free Zone

will be entrusted to a private lawstructure in which the State will ownonly 20% o the capital, and so willnot have a blocking minority.A $1.5 billion contract was signed in2010 between the Republic oGabon and the Singapore-basedmultinational frm Olam or theconstruction o a ertilizerproduction plant, thus heralding thestart o activity in this Free Zone.

The Zone includes:

A 922 Ha Industrial andCommercial Zone;

A deepwater port;

A 382 Ha Residential Zone.

Investment opportunities:

Oil services and industries;

Wood processing activities;

Storage, assembly, and distributiono products;

Service activities relating to newtechnologies such as training,telecommuting and the promotiono new technologies;

Shipbuilding activities careening;

Operation o transhipmentactivities;

Development o fsheries resources;

Operation o the Residential Zone.

Tax benefts:

Total tax exemption or businessesor 10 years, ater which timecorporation tax on profts will belimited to 10%;

Tax incentives or investmentand hiring;

Reduced personal income tax;

Total exoneration o customs duties;

Absence o import and exportlicences and price controls;

Tax-ree fnancial transers.

back to p. 28, p. 32/33

GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES INTERNATIONAL GABON

GABON

CAMEROON

CONGO

Franceville

EQUATORIAL

GUINEA

Libreville

Port-Gentil

SEZ of Mandji island

SEZ of Nkok


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Since his election, PresidentAli Bongo Ondimba

has continued this policy,strengthening Gabonsinfuence by pursuinga deliberate strategyto diversiy its partners.

GABONAND INTERNATIONALINSTITUTIONS

The United Nations

For the third time in its history,Gabon was elected a non-permanent member of theUnited Nations Security

Council or the period 2010to 2011.

Action of the First Ladyat the United Nations

Gabon is also responsibleor the adoption by the UnitedNations General Assemblyon 21 December 2010,o resolution 65/189, whichestablished the InternationalDay o Widows to be heldeach 23 June.

True to its role as mediator, a legacy of President Omar Bongo

Ondimba, Gabon continues to invest in the diplomatic scene at

an african and international level.

President Ali Bongo,

during the 66th

UN General Assembly,

New York,

September 2011.

A COUNTRYOPEN TO THE WORLD


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Pan-Arican organizations

Heavily invested at a pan-Arican level, Gabon is present

in several institutions atcontinental and regional levels,

taking an active role inpromoting peace, confictresolution and economic

integration.

It is a committed player as a:

>Member o the AricanUnion.

> Member o the AU Peaceand Security Council. The rst

Peace and Security Summitwas held in Libreville on10 January 2005.

Diversifcation

o partnershipsSince his rise to power,President Ali Bongo Ondimba

has made several state visitsabroad to promote theeconomic opening o Gabon,

Read the full text.


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Les hritages de la CAN

Enfants gabonais

au lendemain de la CAN.

A SUCCESSFUL GROWTH

MODELRatings agencies have hailedGabons strong economicperormance since 2010.

In April 2012, Fitch revised itsoutlook or Gabon to positiveand confrmed its BB- rating.

Gabon is undergoing proound

reorms, initiated in 2010 by

the government o PresidentAli Bongo Ondimba, who tookoce in 2009. The objective

o the new economic strategy isto reduce dependence on oiland prepare the country or the

post-oil era. The government isaccelerating the diversifcation

o the economy towardsmanuacturing, with massiveinvestment in inrastructures,

made in parallel with the creationo export processing zones (EPZ).

New leaders in the administrationand measures to improve public

governance and attract oreigninvestors demonstratea willingness to reorm,

said Fitch after publicationof its new ratings.

A PROVEN

VISION

5.6%GDP growth estimated or 2012.

14.95USD Bn

countrys GDP estimate or 2012.

85%

percentage o external tradein the countrys GDP.

5.689

USD B

balance trade surplus.


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LE GABON PAYS DOPPORTUNITS LE GABON & LA CAN

Growth picks up

As a result o sustained oil output,renewed growth in the miningsector and substantial publicinvestment, the country returnedto high levels o growth in 2010and 2011 ater a sharp slowdownin 2008 and 2009.

The Government is counting onGDP growth o 5.6% in 2012and on continuing high

non-infationary growth in themedium term.

Growth should be driven by non-oilactivity, which should benet roma high level o public and privateinvestment and the benecialeects o structural reorms.

Ultimately, the Emerging Gabonplan targets double-digit growthor the country.

Solid public nances

The Governments budget reormsled to budget surpluses in 2010and 2011 despite the strong increasein public investment spending.

Implementation o the publicinvestment plan over the period2012-16 should pave the wayor a gradual reduction in publicinvestment spending.

Legislation on public/privatepartnerships was passed in 2011.The bill promotes the replacemento public investment with privateinvestment.

Public debt alls

The proportion o public debt ellsignicantly as a result o a debtmanagement strategy andthe early repayment in 2007o external debt to the Paris Club.

A comparison o Gabons debtlevels with comparably ratedcountries reveals that:

In 2011 the country had the bestdebt-to-GDP ratio o BB-ratedcountries.

Gabon is the only one o thesecountries to have manageda clear downward trend lastingseveral years.

Exports fourish

Gabonese oreign trade ischaracterised by a structurallypositive trade balance. Exportsconsist mainly o oil (83% o the

total), manganese and timber.The diversication policyimplemented by the Governmenthas doubled exports o sawntimber and has increasedmanganese exports by 150%.In 2011, Gabonese exportsincreased in value by 32.1% to4,872.6 billion XAF.

The main buyer o Gabons exports

is still the United States, althoughChina is steadily increasing itspurchases.France is still the main supplierto Gabon, representing a record780 million in 2011, withan increase o 37% over 2010..

The revision o Gabons outlook refectsthe continuous reduction in the countrys public

and external debt, eorts made by the governmentto diversiy the Gabonese economy away rom oil,and stabilisation o the political situation (...) Fitch March 2012


ns


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RESEARCHAND PUBLIC HEALTH

The aim is to promote highlevel research and have a

functioning health system.

The Albert SchweitzerHospital research unit

The research unit at the

International Albert SchweitzerFoundation Hospital in

Lambarn based in centralGabon,

The future InternationalAlbert Schweitzer Hospital

The Albert SchweitzerUniversity Hospital will openin

April 2013.

The Franceville InternationalMedical Research Center(CIRMF)

For 30 years, the CIRMF has

pioneered medical researchbringing together researchers,

engineers, teachers, doctors,technicians and students fromAfrica, Europe and America.

Read the full text.

Gabon plays its part in meeting the great challenges

of the 21st century, for the greater good of future generations.

A COUNTRYINVESTING IN MAJORINTERNATIONAL ISSUES

Researchers

of the International Centrefor Medical Researchin Franceville (CIRMF).


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AN AMBITIOUS,INNOVATIVE CLIMATEPLANThe aim o the climate planis to reconcile environmentalprotection and sustainable

economic development,in accordance with the

Emerging Gabon strategy.It includes fve major

initiatives:

>A land allocation plan

providing or bettermanagement o the territory

as a whole. This plan,

>A national f are gasreduction plan, aimed at

reducing greenhouse gases,has just been adopted, in

collaboration with the oilindustry.

>Clean energy production

ocussing on hydro-electricpower.

>Systematic production o acarbon ootprint each year

>Every two years, at national

level,

Read the ull text.

ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION ANDTHE FIGHT AGAINSTCLIMATE CHANGE

Gabon is oreront in the roleo protecting the Congo Basinorest,

In 2002, President OmarBongo Ondimba had alreadydecided to class 11% o the

country as protected zones,

This policy is continued todayby President Ali Bongo

Ondimba, who has multipliedenvironmental initiatives as

part o his Gabon Vertpolicy.

In September 2010, PresidentAli Bongo Ondimba was also

designated spokesperson

Gabon Agency for SpatialStudies and Observations(AGEOS)

A tripartite agreement was

signed on 1 July 2010 betweenGabon, Brazil and France

Read the ull text.


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www.en.legabon.org

Galvanised into action by the 2012 ACN and

the changes in its economy, Gabon is putting

on a new face.

The vast projects under way are resulting in the

remodelling of strategic sectors: green industries,

industry, planning, and the infrastructures for

hospitality, health, transport and new communication

technology.

Political stability, economic growth and the in-depth

reform of public services are other attractive factors.

Foreign investment of over USD4 billion since 2010

is proof of this, as is the recent signature of bilateral

contracts with major players in the Asian,

North American and European economies.

Gabon, country of opportunity and the future.

A reality for international investors.

CONCLUSION


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BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN GABON IS REFLECTED BY INVESTMENT

/ ABHIJEET $1.2 billion or a erroalloy plant.

/ ALCATEL ASN deployment o the ACE cable.

/ AMAN RESORT 6 luxury hotels and lodges.

/ BHP BILLITON $30 million or the exploitationo manganese 10km rom Franceville.

/ CICMHZ 30-year concession o a manganese deposit.

/ ERAMET/COMILOG 270 million or the constructiono the Moanda metallurgical complex.

/ ISOLUX CORSAN 43 million or the electrifcationo 33 villages.

/ LR GROUP $18 million agreement with the Stateor six agropastoral arms.

/ M3M 100 million or the constructiono 5,000 housing units.

/ MANAGEM $30 million or the exploitation o theBakoudou mine.

/ OLAM 800,000 million or 300,000 hectares opalm groves, $183 million or 28,000 hectares o rubberplantations and $200 million or the Nkok SEZ.

/ RAMKY 1,000 km o road.

/ ROUGIER production and international trade in tropicaltimber 870,000 ha of forest.

/ SFM AFRICA $100 million or an integrated projectincluding a luxury Eco Lodge in the Mayumba region.

/ SINOHYDRO CORPORATION $398 million withthe Government or the Grand Poubara dam.

/ TATA CHEMICALS $1.5 billion with the Republico Gabon and Olam or a ertilizer production plant.

/ TECHNIP ertilizer production plant.

/ TLMANIA 61.4 million or the Alnakiri thermalpower plant and 200 million to build two power plants.

/ TOTAL $37.5 million or the renovation o the POGairport, among other investments.

/ VAMED MANAGEMENT renovation and equippingo 8 provincial hospitals.

Here are some examples o frms that have invested in Gabon.


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ANGT (Agence nationale des grands travaux)

THE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY FOR THE 2012 ACN

Established on 25 February 2010 and operating under the authority o the President,

the Agence Nationale des Grands Travaux (ANGT, the national agency or major

projects) is a public establishment responsible or providing the technical and nancial

identication, scheduling and supervision required to ensure the smooth running

o major public works projects. At the request o the government, the agency was

structured by Bechtel, the large US construction and public works company. Taking its

inspiration rom the operating models o the worlds largest stadiums, the ANGT rose

to the challenge o the 2012 ACN, managing not only the construction required but

also the maintenance of the sporting infrastructure.

The ANGT was also called upon to broaden its scope and manage eatures

essential to the smooth running o the ACN: the lighting and maintenance

o grounds, displays on giant screens, signage, electricity, audio, re detection,

access control and communications systems etc. All these operations were

undertaken successfully, in absolute compliance with the demands of the CAF.The ANGT was recognised as one o the main architects of the success

of the 2012 ACN. It was saluted or the way in which it had discharged its role

by the CAF authorities, the Government o Gabon and, o course, President

Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was responsible or bringing it into being.back to p. 10

Preventing global warming

REDUCING GREENHOUSE GASES:COMMITMENT AND STRONG ACTION

Keen to contribute to the worldwide ght against global warming and spurred on by

its President, Gabon has introduced a national climate plan. Gabon has earmarked

institutional and operational resources to implement it, and enable the country to

reduce its CO2 emissions. Another strong indication o this intention is the act that

sustainable development is now part o the remit o the Ministry or Economy.

A programme or the sustainable management o orests, a ban on oil/gas faring,

the construction o hydroelectric dams and natural gas thermal power stations -

these are all decisions leading towards responsible industrialisation. Public

administrations and private companies must produce carbon reports every year.

Established in partnership with France and Brazil, the remit o the Gabonese agency

for space studies and observation (AGEOS) is to monitor and assess the national

climate policy. It also uses satellite images to study the state o the orest cover.

back to p. 27

LEXICON


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GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES LEXICON

Fauna and fora

EXCEPTIONAL BIODIVERSITY

Primary and secondary orests, mangrove swamps, savannas, marshes, lagoons,

mountains and marine coast: Gabon boasts a wide variety o ecosystems and one

of the most biodiverse environments in Central Africa.

There are currently 10,000 plant species (15% o which are endemic), 70 reptilespecies, 700 bird species, 1,200 butterfy species and nearly 190 mammal species

listed in the country.

Gabon also has the highest concentration o Arican orest elephants

(80,000 individuals) and serves as a sanctuary or gorillas and chimpanzees.

A number o totally or partially protected species such as bualo, river hogs,

panthers, hippopotami and manatees are also recorded here.

The inventory o this exceptional heritage is ar rom complete: scientic experts

are continuing their studies and explorations, and regularly discover new species.

back to p. 28

Archaeological

GABON, THE CRADLE OF LIFE

The discovery in Gabon in 2010 o over 250 ossils in an excellent state

o preservation provided proo or the rst time that multicellular organisms

existed as long as 2.1 billion years ago. This was a major advance, because

previously, the earliest known complex orms o lie (with more than one cell)

had been dated at about 600 million years.

These new ossils vary in shape and size, and presuppose a very much earlier

origin of organised and complex life than has been accepted up to now. They have

thereore helped to revise our knowledge about the emergence o lie.

Human presence in the region goes back 400,000 years, as witnessed by worked

pebbles discovered in the alluvial terrace dominating the Ogooue River in the Lope

National Park. Larger tools dating rom the Stone Age (120,000 to 60,000 years) have

also been discovered. Still in the same area, nearly 2,000 rock engravings testiy

to a knowledge o metallurgy existing at the dawn o the Christian Era. The La Lope

Park now has an eco-archaeology trail around these sites.back to p. 29


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National Infrastructure Master Plan

The National Inrastructure Master Plan includes 21 major projects requiring anestimated total investment o more than USD12,236 billionoversix years. Theaim o the plan is to provide Gabon with the inrastructure required to achieve

the socio-economic development o the interior o the country and the genuinediversifcation o the national economy. All sites are supervised and are underthe technical and nancial control o the National Agency or Major Projects

(ANGT). The ANGT, which is directly under the authority o the Head o State,signed an assistance agreement in September 2012 with Bechtel, the leading US

public works and engineering group.

back to p. 35

A number of measures to improve the business environmentand make Gabon more attractive to investors

REFORMS TO IMPROVE THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

AND MAKE GABON MORE ATTRACTIVE

1/ Strengthening o structures devoted to supporting the private sector

Restructuring o the Chamber o Commerce and Industry in Gabon The CCI is

at the service o oreign investors to provide them with consistent inormation

on the Gabonese economy and put them in touch with Gabonese economic

operators.

Establishment o the Business Development Centre with the creation

o a single eective one-stop-shop or oreign investors (in progress).

Once it is operational, the BDC will signicantly reduce the time taken

to create a business.

2/ Making Gabon more attractive

A set o incentives or investors is in the process o being introduced.

These measures are intended not only to create a clearer regulatory

ramework but also to provide tax benets or investors in growth sectors:

introduction o a hydrocarbons code;

introduction o a tourism master plan;

revision o the mining code;

law on public-private partnerships.

3/ Modernisation o the State

Several actions are under way to improve the eectiveness o the linksbetween the public administration and the private sector:

Reorm o the expenditure system: payment procedures or public

administrations have been reduced rom 40 to 20.

Reorm o the public Customs and Treasury Department is under way

to ensure more efcient and more transparent economic operations,

with a particular ocus on ghting to eliminate all special taxes.

LEXICON


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Establishment o the National Agency or Major Projects (ANGT, the

contracting authority representing ministries in all inrastructure projects) in

order to monitor the consistency o projects and ensure compliance with the

highest international standards. The ANGT is supported rom day to day by

Bechtel, the USs leading public works company.

Reorms to reduce the administrative processes involved in obtaining a

building permit rom 134 to 7.

4/ Improvement of governance

Strengthening the power o the National Commission to combat unlawul

enrichment.

Introduction o a certifcate o compliance to standardise all contracts and

agreements that are entered into by the State.

back to p. 37

GABON, COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES LEXICON


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