Gabon: Is the government finally determined to boost the agricultural sector?

Revitalization of the cocoa-coffee sector, exemption of inputs and agricultural equipment, creation of high-yield agricultural zones, promotion and strengthening of agricultural production to ensure food security, and implementation of a medium-term import substitution strategy. In its Development Plan, the government intends to focus specifically on the agricultural sector, which has been the poor parent of our economy until now. 

In opening the workshop for the revitalization of the cocoa-coffee sectors on Tuesday, February 13, 2023, the Minister of Economy and Participation, Mays Mouissi, himself reminded that with the advent of the oil and mining industries, the agricultural sector has been neglected. As a result, some formerly productive sectors now show unprecedented decline. All of this has led the government to consider strong measures.

Among the many measures announced and expected, “the promotion and strengthening of agricultural production to ensure food security“. Contained in Pillar 2 of the National Development Plan for the transition (PNDT), in relation to the intensification of the diversification strategy of the economy, this reinforcement of agricultural production should, in the medium term, increase agricultural production and implement an import substitution strategy. Because that’s where the problem lies.

More than 275,000 tons of imported food products for nearly 500 billion per year

With food imports increasing by 11% each year, Gabon remains heavily dependent on foreign products, since 60% of food consumption is imported. All for a colossal amount of more than 450 billion CFA francs per year. It is therefore more urgent than ever to put in place a genuine national agricultural strategy, to among other things, reduce the trade deficit estimated at approximately 270 billion CFA francs according to a report from the African Union.

Capable of being a source of employment and of boosting the economy through niche markets, the agricultural sector, which could greatly benefit from the significant reserve of arable land (5.2 million hectares), a favorable climate for agricultural activity with an annual rainfall of 1450 to 4000 mm5, should finally benefit from the careful attention of the authorities. However, they must follow through with actions, not just words.