Gabon's transitional president, Brice Oligui Nguema, is promoting business tourism as a key strategy to diversify the country's economy, which has long relied on oil. Since taking power in a 2023 coup, his administration has sought to attract international investors and conferences to Libreville and other urban centers.
According to official statements from the Gabonese Ministry of Tourism, the government is investing in infrastructure upgrades, including new hotels and convention centers, to host business events. The initiative aims to reduce dependency on oil revenues, which account for about 60% of exports.
However, as of May 2026, no major international business tourism deals or events have been confirmed. The country faces challenges including political uncertainty and limited air connectivity. The World Bank has noted that Gabon's tourism sector remains underdeveloped, contributing less than 2% to GDP.
