Gabon terminates long-standing fishing partnership with European Union

Gabon has officially decided to end its Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with the European Union. The cooperation reached its conclusion on June 28, 2026, and was not renewed by the Gabonese authorities.

A historic shift in maritime policy

Initially established in 2007, this maritime alliance underwent several extensions over the years, with the most recent renewal occurring in 2021. Throughout the last five-year period, the agreement generated an estimated 17 billion CFA francs for the Gabonese national treasury. However, the transition toward a new strategy began in June 2025 during a Council of Ministers meeting led by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

This decision represents a significant departure from nearly two decades of continuous fishing cooperation with European partners. By allowing the deal to expire, the government is signaling a major change in how it manages its territorial waters.

Prioritizing local economic value

The administration in Libreville expressed concerns that the financial compensation provided under the agreement was insufficient. Officials argued that the revenue did not accurately reflect the actual market value of the resources being harvested by foreign vessels in Gabonese waters.

Looking ahead, the government intends to focus on the domestic industrialization of the sector. The new strategy emphasizes the local transformation of tuna, a move designed to:

• Generate more employment opportunities for citizens
• Attract significant industrial investments
• Ensure higher added value remains within the national economy

By moving away from external agreements, Gabon seeks to take full control of its aquatic resources and build a more self-reliant fishing industry.