Gabon-UE strategic dialogue: reforms, investments, climate take centre stage

Yesterday, at the Palais des Congrès Omar Bongo Ondimba in the Cité de la Démocratie, Gabon and the European Union (EU) convened the second session of their strategic partnership dialogue. Vice President of the Government Hermann Immongault and EU Ambassador to Gabon Cécile Abadie co-chaired the meeting, which followed the inaugural dialogue held in October 2024.

Hermann Immongault noted that the dialogue is grounded in the Samoa Agreement, the foundational legal framework for EU relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) states. He emphasised that the accord calls for “a more balanced, more operational partnership focused on concrete impacts of public policies and investments.”

Throughout the working session, the two sides examined four main pillars: political reforms and governance, economic outlook, environment and sustainable natural resource management, and multilateral and regional cooperation.

At the conclusion of the talks, both parties commended the institutional reforms undertaken during Gabon’s transition and exchanged perspectives on human rights and fundamental freedoms. “No topic was off limits,” Immongault asserted, adding that the discussions helped “clear up all grey areas.”

The talks also delved into Gabon’s economic prospects, ongoing structural reforms, improvements to the business climate, and measures to attract greater investment. The EU’s Global Gateway strategy was likewise discussed.

Environmental matters featured prominently as well. The two sides reaffirmed a shared vision on sustainable forest management and explored cooperation avenues in sustainable fisheries, energy, and waste management.

Finally, Gabon and the EU reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and noted broad alignment on regional and international issues, particularly maritime security and regional integration.

The two partners now aim to deepen their relationship and continue consultations on jointly identified priorities, in what was described as an open and trusting atmosphere.