The Angolan group Omatapalo, a leading player in the construction and building materials sector, has announced its intention to invest in Gabon in strategic areas such as energy, agriculture, and the environment. The announcement came during a meeting between the group’s representative, Jeannine Scott, and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Founded in Angola and active on the African continent since 2013, Omatapalo now seeks to strengthen its presence in Central Africa, in line with the Gabonese government’s strategy to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment. The objective is to boost local production, create jobs, and consolidate key sectors such as agriculture and energy, which are regarded as pillars of the country’s structural transformation.
The meeting in New York was not the first step in this rapprochement. Last July, during the U.S.–Africa Summit in Luanda, the Gabonese President had already held initial talks with the head of the Angolan group, paving the way for more in-depth negotiations.
According to sources close to the presidency, Omatapalo’s potential investments are part of a broader policy of foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction, pursued by Oligui Nguema since taking office. Together with strategic partners, Gabon aims not only to revive its economy but also to ensure the sustainable modernization of its main productive sectors.
Local experts welcome the interest of foreign investors but stress the need for strong governance mechanisms.
“These partnerships are positive for economic diversification and growth. However, they must be framed within a logic of sustainability and skills transfer, to avoid excessive dependence on external capital,” commented a lecturer from the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences at Omar Bongo University.
Omatapalo’s renewed commitment to expand its activities and Gabon’s openness to further liberalize its economy confirm a growing dynamic of regional cooperation. For Libreville, this represents another step toward consolidating the country as an attractive destination for business and investment in Central Africa.
28/09/2025
