Gabon is a country blessed with enormous natural resources. It is a country with small population, it therefore boasts a per capita income four times that of most nations of sub-Saharan Africa.

It is extremely rich in natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore and hydropower. Gabon also prides itself as one of the most politically and economically stable countries in the continent. All these factors summed together make it one of the choice destinations for investments. Here are some of the areas potential investors should consider.

Oil and gas

With the oil sector accounting for 50% of GDP and 80% of exports that speaks volume of the amount of investments that have gone into that sector over the years. Oil and gas is the mainstay of the Gabonese economy, nonetheless there still exists enough room for investment in the sector especially in the area of oil drilling.

Mining

The economy relies heavily on resource extraction industry. Ores and metals fall within the top four of Gabon’s exports. The country is also endowed with diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, phosphate reserves and timber. There are opportunities for investment in the areas of extraction and logistics.

Agriculture

Gabon has a very good climate, sufficient rainfall amount and very good soil for Agriculture. Not less than 54 greenfield projects have been announced in agriculture. These are major industrial projects on the continent. These types of projects show a pure vision on agriculture that will provide a basis for diversification. There is vast need for development in the areas of production of bio fuel and rubber tree farming, transformation of raw materials

Energy sector

The energy sector is currently getting a lot of attention as the Government is looking at ways of promoting renewable energy sources, production of hydroelectric power and development of integrated infrastructure. This areas present valuable returns for potential investors.

Fishing

While there have been recent improvements in the fishing industry, it is still relatively undeveloped. Traditional fishing accounts for two-thirds of total catch. The waters off the Gabonese coast contain large quantities of fish. Gabonese waters are estimated to be able to support an annual catch of 15,000 tons of tuna and 12,000 tons of sardines.

Tourism

Gabon boasts of beautiful beaches, oceans, the falls on the Ogooué River, inland fishing facilities, and the Crystal Mountains. Tourists also come to see the popular hospital founded by Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Lambaréné. There are also 13 national parks from regions along its coastline, where hippopotamuses play on untouched beaches, to forest clearings home to “naive” gorillas. However the tourism sector is still relatively underdeveloped and is crying out for considerable investments.

Animal husbandry

This is another area worthy of investments. Animal husbandry in Gabon has provided several jobs for Gabonese. In 2005 there were an estimated 212,000 hogs, 195,000 sheep, 90,000 goats, 35,000 head of cattle, and 3.1 million chickens. There is however still a big gap between demand for meat and other animal products and its supply.