Five months after opening their embassy in Rwanda, Gabonese officials have called on Rwandan investors to explore business opportunities in the central African country. Gabon’s ambassador to Rwanda, Sylver Aboubakar Minko Mi-Nseme, said the new diplomatic presence marks a fresh chapter in relations between the two nations. The Gabonese embassy in Kigali was officially opened in November last year as the two countries strengthened their diplomatic and bilateral ties. “The opening of the embassy marks a new phase in the strengthening of relations between Gabon and Rwanda,” read a statement from the embassy. Key investment sectors Gabon offers opportunities in several sectors, including oil production and exports, mining for which it is known for the Belinga iron ore project, as well as timber production and exports. The embassy recently presented priority sectors that offer promising opportunities for Rwandan investors. These include energy, agriculture, tourism, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and infrastructure. According to Mi-Nseme, these sectors align with Gabon’s development strategy and provide strong potential for partnerships, joint ventures, and private sector participation. Embassy to facilitate investment Mi-Nseme said the embassy will act as a bridge between Rwandan investors and Gabonese authorities. He explained that when an investor shows interest, the embassy shares official documents and guidelines from Gabon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant institutions. It also clarifies administrative and legal requirements, including registration procedures and compliance standards. Visa and mobility support Mi-Nseme said the embassy also facilitates visa procedures for business travellers by providing official invitation or support letters where required and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure smoother processing for legitimate business purposes. He reassured potential investors that Gabon offers a stable and secure environment for foreign investment, citing political stability and ongoing economic reforms. Education and tourism cooperation Beyond trade and investment, educational exchanges have become important in the relations between the two countries. Nearly 1,600 Gabonese students are currently studying in Rwanda, reflecting confidence in Rwanda’s education system and growing people-to-people ties. Mi-Nseme also said Gabon is keen to learn from Rwanda’s tourism model, which has helped position the sector as a major driver of economic growth and international visibility.
