Gabon

Gabon is a high-income African economy (by GDP per capita) driven by oil and gas, manganese mining (world's second-largest producer via COMILOG/Eramet), and forestry. Oil production has declined from peak levels but remains the economic backbone. Following the August 2023 military takeover, the transitional government has pledged democratic elections. Gabon's relatively small population (2.3 million) and significant resource wealth provide high per-capita income by African standards. The Libreville Special Economic Zone targets manufacturing and agro-processing. Challenges include economic diversification, governance reform, and infrastructure development outside Libreville.