G abon, the world's second-largest manganese producer, no longer intends to merely export the ore in its crude state. The objective is clear: to develop a local processing industry to create skilled jobs, increase tax revenues, and consolidate economic sovereignty. This strategic choice, supported by President H.E. Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, is part of a dynamic of industrial upscaling.

Advantages of the Measure : • Creation of Added Value: Processing manganese locally significantly increases the economic value extracted, unlike crude export, which generates little local revenue. • Industrial Development: The establishment of a processing chain stimulates infrastructure, the training of experts, and fosters the emergence of competitive national companies. • Skilled Employment: The processing sector requires advanced technical skills, generating sustainable and well-paid jobs. • Strengthening Sovereignty: Gabon gains greater control over its strategic resource, reducing its dependence on foreign buyers. • Financial Support: The creation of a public-private investment fund will support the necessary investments, limiting financial risks for local stakeholders.

Disadvantages and Challenges • High Initial Costs: Establishing processing infrastructure requires heavy investment, which could strain public and private finances. • Risk of Industrial Underperformance: The growth of a local industry will depend on technical competence, effective management, and market conditions. • Complex Transition: The three-year period granted to stakeholders might be short given the scale of the technical, logistical, and financial changes required. • Impact on Short-Term Export Revenue: The gradual halt of crude ore exports could temporarily reduce export earnings, creating economic tension. • Risk of Limited Attractiveness: The local industry will have to compete with international standards in terms of quality and cost to attract foreign partners and clients.

Ultimately, this decision marks an ambitious industrial turning point for Gabon. The local processing of manganese promises to increase national wealth and boost employment, but it also involves risks related to investments and the capacity for skills development. Success will largely depend on the coordination between the State, the private sector, and international partners during this three-year transitional period.

Gabon, leveraging its global position in manganese, is thus positioning itself to play a more influential strategic role in the global value chain of this essential ore.