O n January 31, 2026, the Minister of State, Minister of Transport, Merchant Marine, in charge of Logistics, Mr. Ulrich MANFOUMBI MANFOUMBI, received in audience a Chinese delegation led by the company ZMEV Limited, introduced by its Gabonese economic partner AZMAT. This meeting is part of initiatives aimed at supporting Gabon’s industrial and economic development, particularly in the automobile industry sector.

Specializing in the assembly of motor vehicles, both light and heavy, ZMEV Limited positions itself as a strategic partner for the establishment of a national automobile industry. During the discussions, the delegation presented its expansion plan across the African continent, already materialized through investments in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt, as well as its specific project intended for Gabon.

In view of its establishment on Gabonese territory, ZMEV Limited plans to set up a vehicle assembly plant, structured around a progressive three-phase program starting in 2027. The first phase will focus on a local assembly rate of 30%, followed by an increase in capacity accompanied by a transfer of skills to the benefit of the national workforce. The final phase, projected for 2036, aims at achieving a 90% local assembly rate, thus marking a major step forward in the country’s industrialization.

"It should be emphasized that this project is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Local Transformation, thereby reinforcing its institutional character and its strategic significance for the national economy.

This meeting reflects the vision and determination of the President of the Republic, Head of State, Head of Government, His Excellency Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, to strengthen international cooperation and to promote structuring projects. These initiatives are aimed in particular at job creation, economic diversification, and the emergence of a strong and sustainable national industry, serving Gabon’s development.