info.afrindex.com
China-Africa Trade Information Service
info.afrindex.com
China-Africa Trade Information Service
FDI in Figures
Foreign investment into Gabon has experienced significant growth; net inflows have been increasing over the past years, reaching almost USD 1 billion in 2014, from about USD 0.7 billion in 2011 (World Bank data).
Limited market potential, bureaucracy, an unskilled and expensive workforce, as well as poor infrastructure all constitute barriers to FDI influx. After losing several places in the World Bank's 2016 Doing Business report, Gabon now ranks 162nd out of 189 countries. The processes for registering property and enforcing contracts are particularly burdensome.
On the other hand, Gabon can be attractive to investors because of its raw materials, political stability and a relatively high purchasing power when compared to other Sub-Saharan African countries.
The oil sector is the main destination of FDI in the country, with Total Gabon and Shell and Perenco being the largest hydrocarbon producers and also the main investors. The mining sector also attracts FDI.
France has a predominant place in the stock of FDI in Gabon since it counts hundreds of branches from French companies in various sectors: oil exploitation, mining, timber, agribusiness, building and civil engineering works, financial services, water and electricity concessions, etc.
