O n Monday, January 12, 2026, a high-level meeting took place between economic operators from the Union of Foresters and Timber Industrialists of Gabon (UFIGA) and the Vice-President of the Government, Mr. Hermann IMMONGAULT. Also in attendance were the Minister of Water and Forests, Environment, and Climate, in charge of Human-Wildlife Conflict, Mr. Maurice ALLOGHO NTOSSUI, along with other ministry officials.

This meeting reflects a clear commitment to accelerating the local transformation of Gabonese forest resources, an essential lever for sustainable economic development.

1. A Comprehensive Assessment of the Timber Sector At the heart of the discussions, a precise and shared diagnostic of the timber sector in Gabon was established. Economic operators highlighted progress already made in sustainable forest management, benefiting from strengthened regulations and international certifications. However, they also pointed out major constraints currently hindering the industry: • Insufficient logistical and industrial infrastructure suited for competitive local processing; • Difficulties regarding access to financing and modern technologies; • Administrative complexities slowing down logging and export procedures; • Challenges related to sustainable management and biodiversity preservation amid growing international demand.

2. Toward Intensified Local Processing of Raw Materials The favorable political climate recently demonstrated by the Gabonese Government strongly encourages the local valuation of raw forest resources. Vice-President IMMONGAULT reiterated that this direction aims to maximize value-added creation, generate skilled employment, and prepare the country for better economic resilience against international market fluctuations. In this perspective, the operators' proposals focused primarily on: • Developing a clear fiscal and legislative incentive framework for investments in local processing; • Establishing strong public-private partnerships to modernize industrial tools; • Strengthening human capacity through specialized training and targeted technology transfers; • Improving logistical chains, particularly roads and port access.

3. A Constructive Dialogue Driven by the Vice-President Mr. Hermann IMMONGAULT acknowledged the proposals with clear interest, emphasizing the need for constant dialogue between the State and private actors to build a coherent and adaptable sectoral policy. He stressed that this strategic partnership is indispensable, as the timber sector serves as a pillar for Gabon's economic diversification while remaining rooted in sustainable forest management.

Minister Maurice ALLOGHO NTOSSUI, also responsible for environmental issues, supported this approach by recalling the imperative to reconcile industrial development with ecosystem conservation, notably through the management of human-wildlife conflict—a major issue in forested areas.

Ultimately, this audience represents a decisive step for the timber industry in Gabon. The commitment of the Vice-President and the mobilization of economic operators illustrate a new dynamic centered on local transformation, innovation, and environmental responsibility. For this ambition to succeed, the alignment between public policies and private initiatives will be determining in the months and years to come.

Thus, UFIGA and the Government share a clear vision : to make the timber sector an essential lever for sustainable economic growth while carefully preserving Gabon’s rich forest heritage.