Gabon turns to Sénégal to guide its ambitious transport overhaul

During a high-level working mission in Dakar, the Gabonese Minister of State for Transport, Merchant Marine, and Logistics, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, met with his Senegalese counterpart, Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye. Their bilateral discussions centered on modernizing critical infrastructure and reinforcing strategic institutional ties, establishing a dedicated channel for technical knowledge sharing between Libreville and Dakar.

A bilateral push to revamp mobility systems

Gabon is determined to study and adapt the Senegalese framework to reshape its domestic transport ecosystem. With the demonstrated performance of Blaise Diagne International Airport alongside major ongoing investments in highways and railways, Sénégal provides a proven blueprint for Gabonese officials seeking to revitalize their air and ground transit networks.

During their working sessions, both ministerial teams examined operational questions across aviation and overland transit, identifying practical opportunities to adapt tested solutions to Gabonese realities.

Aligning safety standards and technical expertise

The dialogue also focused on harmonizing regulatory frameworks and safety protocols to ensure compliance with strict international benchmarks while maintaining seamless modal integration. Central to this approach is the joint development of capabilities in technical supervision, airport protection, and executive personnel development.

Drawing on the milestones achieved in Sénégal, Gabon intends to expedite the rehabilitation of its transit facilities, optimize national traffic coordination, and reorganize public transport systems that require a decisive operational boost.

Expanding multimodal links and regional connectivity

This knowledge exchange coincides with a broader push toward multimodal logistics development. Integrating ground networks with domestic air routes is seen as vital for opening up isolated regions and expediting the circulation of passengers and commercial cargo across Gabon.

Beyond the technical dimensions, this cooperation underscores a mutual commitment to South-South solidarity. By pooling expertise and adopting tested industry practices, Gabon and Sénégal are positioning the transport sector as an indispensable engine for sustainable economic growth, trade expansion, and continental integration.