AGP Executive Report

Franco-Gabonese Mining Push: Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema kicked off a state visit to Paris with agreements including a manganese roadmap: Eramet/Comilog plan to process up to 700 kilotons a year by end-2031, plus “Made in Gabon” to seed industrial jobs. Energy Markets & Risk: TotalEnergies reported Q2 net profit doubling to $5.4bn, citing Middle East-driven price strength, while OPEC+ weighs August decisions amid Strait of Hormuz volatility that could disrupt supply. Critical Minerals Strategy: The IEA warns critical minerals supply chains are fragile and overly concentrated in refining, with export controls a growing threat—an issue that directly feeds Gabon’s push to move up the manganese value chain. Regional Security Funding: AU officials, including Cameroon and Gabon, questioned the long-term sustainability of the Somalia peace mission as funding strains deepen. Sports & Industry Link: FIFA says Nigeria’s World Cup chances hinge less on talent and more on building stable football systems—relevant for regional sports-business ecosystems.

Mining & Industrial Policy: Gabon and France are moving deeper into manganese value-add after President Brice Oligui Nguema’s Paris visit, with Eramet and the state signing an MoU to study projects that could process up to 700,000 tonnes of manganese ore per year by 2031, alongside plans tied to energy access and a “Made in Gabon” jobs push. Franco-Gabonese Cooperation: Three broader agreements were also signed covering security, water and energy, while Libreville pushes to end unprocessed manganese exports by January 2029—Paris wants more flexibility. Sanctions Watch: The US OFAC updated Russia-linked listings tied to heavy equipment and procurement, a reminder that enforcement continues even as wider legislative moves on Russian oil supply chain pressure build. Regional Security: Cameroon and Gabon urged the AU to plan for the end of AUSSOM in Somalia as funding uncertainty grows, pushing Somalia toward self-sustaining security institutions. Finance & Inclusion: Optasia is shifting beyond airtime lending toward microfinance, targeting 80%+ of revenue from cash and utility-bill loan products as the segment accelerates. Energy Markets: OPEC+ August planning is flagged as sensitive to Strait of Hormuz volatility, with supply stabilization measures under scrutiny. Sports & Talent Systems: FIFA says Nigeria’s World Cup return in 2030 hinges less on talent and more on building a stable football structure—after a run that included a notable extra-time win over Gabon.

Franco-Gabonese Industrial Push: During President Brice Oligui Nguema’s state visit to Paris, Eramet and the Gabonese government signed MoUs to boost local manganese processing, targeting up to 700,000 tonnes per year by 2031, with Libreville also moving to end unprocessed manganese exports by 2029—while France presses for more time to build the needed infrastructure. Energy & Security Diplomacy: The same visit produced additional agreements covering security, water and energy, as France welcomed Gabon’s leader and the detention of opposition figure Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze drew renewed international attention. Sanctions & Trade Controls: Separately, OFAC updated Russia-linked listings tied to heavy equipment and procurement networks, underscoring tightening enforcement that can ripple into African industrial supply chains. Regional Finance Resilience: A study urges CEMAC’s central bank BEAC to create an emergency liquidity tool to protect essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during geopolitical shocks. Industry Context: Broader reporting highlights Africa’s push to retain value from minerals and the refining gap that makes local processing hard without reliable power, transport and industrial inputs.

Franco-Gabonese Industrial Push: Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema’s Paris visit produced three strategic deals with France, led by an Eramet–Gabon MoU to study and scale local manganese processing up to 700,000 tonnes a year by end-2031, with scenarios including a Libreville oxide plant and upgrades at Moanda, as Libreville also targets a January 2029 deadline to process ore before export. Mining Value-Chain Deadline: The manganese plan is framed as a bid to build a domestic battery/steel supply chain and jobs, while France presses for more time to fund the needed infrastructure. Diplomatic Friction: France faces renewed calls to intervene over the detention conditions of Gabon opposition figure and former PM Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze during the visit, with Paris expected to weigh economic and security cooperation alongside the case. Sanctions Pressure (Global, with local relevance): OFAC updated two Russia-linked SDN entries on July 20, a maintenance step that signals tightening enforcement around equipment procurement tied to Russia’s war supply chain.

Franco-Gabonese Industrial Push: During President Brice Oligui Nguema’s state visit to France, Gabon and France signed three strategic agreements, with the headline deal targeting manganese value-add. Mining & Jobs: Eramet (via Comilog) signed an MoU to build manganese processing capacity for up to 700,000 tonnes (700 kilotons) per year by end-2031, supporting Libreville’s plan to stop exporting unprocessed manganese from January 2029 and creating a “Made in Gabon” seed fund aimed at 3,000 industrial jobs. Broader Cooperation: The same visit also covered security, water and energy cooperation, as both sides position the relationship around “concrete results.” Energy Market Watch: Separately, coverage flags how Hormuz volatility could shape OPEC+ planning for August, with Gabon listed among the OPEC group. Digital Finance in Gabon: BGFI Bank Group renewed its partnership with SBS for a Group-wide rollout of the SBS Digital Banking Suite under its 2026–2030 plan.

Manganese Value-Add: Eramet and its Gabon unit Eramet Comilog signed an MoU with the government to build a roadmap to process up to 700 kilotons of manganese ore per year by end-2031, alongside plans for local biochar production, a “Made in Gabon” seed fund targeting 3,000 industrial jobs, and new industrial projects. France–Gabon Economic Ties: During President Brice Oligui Nguema’s official visit to Paris, French and Gabonese officials signed cooperation agreements, with Eramet’s manganese processing expansion also highlighted as part of deeper political and economic coordination. Mining & Critical Minerals Risk: The IEA warned that critical minerals supply chains are fragile, with refining concentrated in China and export controls rising; it flags that export bans and geopolitical shocks could expose trillions in downstream production. CEMAC Liquidity Pressure: A study urges BEAC to create an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7–2.3 trillion to protect essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during geopolitical disruptions, including for Gabon. Regional Energy Integration: APPO NOC-CEO leaders will meet in Cape Town on Oct 12 alongside African Energy Week to push regional refining, gas markets, and cross-border petroleum trade—key themes for Gabon’s resource-led industrial strategy. Aviation Connectivity: Port Harcourt International Airport in Nigeria received full certification, opening the door for more international routes—relevant for Central Africa’s logistics and travel demand.

France–Gabon Reset: President Brice Oligui Nguema’s second official visit to Paris will bring an 80-strong delegation of business and political leaders, as France signals continued engagement after Libreville’s post-coup agreements—while pressure grows over the detention of opposition figure Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze. Mining & Critical Minerals Lens: The IEA warns that critical minerals supply chains are getting more concentrated and exposed to export controls, with refining still dominated by China—fueling Gabon’s own push to move up the value chain. CEMAC Liquidity Watch: A new study urges BEAC to create an emergency liquidity tool (CFA1.7–2.3tn) to protect essential imports like food, fuel and pharma during geopolitical shocks, with Gabon among the affected economies. Digital Banking Upgrade (Gabon): BGFI Bank Group renews its partnership with SBS to roll out a Group-wide digital banking suite under its 2026–2030 plan, starting with pilot subsidiaries before expanding across its network. Energy Industry Signals: ReconAfrica reports first hydrocarbons to surface from Kavango West 1X in Namibia, moving next to testing the Huttenberg formation—another reminder of how exploration results can quickly reshape regional energy expectations. Air Connectivity (Regional): Nigeria’s Port Harcourt International Airport receives full certification, opening the door to more international routes—relevant for Gabon’s wider Central Africa logistics and travel links.

Digital Banking Rollout in Gabon: BGFI Bank Group renewed its partnership with SBS for the SBS Digital Banking Suite, backing its 2026–2030 BGFI 30 plan with a group-wide rollout starting with two pilot subsidiaries. Critical Minerals Supply Risk: The IEA warns that critical minerals refining is still overly concentrated (China and Indonesia dominate growth), and export controls could expose up to $6.5tn of downstream production. Value Addition Push in Central Africa: Gabon is among countries using export controls to force more processing at home, but the IEA flags the real bottleneck as power, chemicals, transport and engineering capacity. CEMAC Liquidity Plan: A study urges BEAC to create an emergency liquidity facility (CFA1.7–2.3tn) to protect essential imports like food, fuel and pharma during geopolitical shocks. Regional Energy Integration: APPO NOC-CEO Forum in Cape Town (Oct 12) targets regional refining, gas markets and cross-border petroleum trade, hosted alongside African Energy Week. Aviation Infrastructure: Port Harcourt International Airport received full certification, opening the door for more international routes. Oil Market Snapshot: OPEC crude output rebounded in June, with Gabon up slightly to about 224,000 bpd.

Central Africa Energy & Trade: The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) should set up an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7–2.3 trillion to keep financing flowing for essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during geopolitical shocks, according to a new CEMAC resilience study. Critical Minerals & Value-Add Pressure: The IEA warns that critical minerals supply chains are becoming more concentrated, with China and Indonesia dominating refined output growth, while export controls—like rare earth restrictions—could expose up to $6.5 trillion in downstream production outside China; the report also notes Africa’s push for export bans is running into the real bottlenecks of power, chemicals, transport and engineering. Oil & Gas Regional Integration: National oil company chiefs are set to meet in Cape Town on October 12 for the APPO NOC-CEO Forum alongside African Energy Week, targeting regional refining, gas markets, cross-border petroleum trade and shared infrastructure. Digital Banking in Gabon Region: BGFI Bank Group (Librevillle) renews its partnership with SBS, subscribing to the SBS Digital Banking Suite to roll out a group-wide digital foundation across subsidiaries. Aviation & Connectivity: Nigeria’s Port Harcourt International Airport received full certification and an operational license, opening the door to more international routes. Mining & Exploration Signals: ReconAfrica reports preliminary testing success at Kavango West 1X, with natural gas produced from the Elandshoek formation and further testing moving toward the Huttenberg zones.

CEMAC Liquidity Watch: A new study urges BEAC to create an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7–2.3 trillion to keep financing flowing for essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during geopolitical shocks—an issue directly tied to resilience for Gabon and the wider CEMAC zone. Critical Minerals Pressure: The IEA warns that export controls and refining concentration are turning “critical minerals” into an economic security problem, citing risks from rare earth restrictions and the need for stronger downstream ecosystems—while Gabon’s own manganese export plans later this decade remain part of the value-add push. Regional Energy Value-Chain: National oil chiefs are set to meet in Cape Town on Oct 12 for the APPO NOC-CEO Forum alongside African Energy Week, with a focus on regional refining, gas markets, cross-border petroleum trade and bankable projects. Oil & Gas Licensing Setback (Gulf of Guinea): São Tomé and Príncipe reportedly rejected all bids in its latest offshore licensing round, including offers from Petrobras and Oranto, extending the search for a commercially viable discovery. Digital Banking Upgrade (Gabon): BGFI Bank Group renews its partnership with SBS to roll out the SBS Digital Banking Suite across subsidiaries, starting with pilots before scaling group-wide. Aviation Connectivity: Nigeria’s Port Harcourt International Airport gets full certification, opening the door to more international routes—good news for regional travel and logistics flows.

Gulf of Guinea Politics: São Tomé and Príncipe heads to a presidential vote Sunday, with Russia’s 2024 military cooperation deal keeping international attention on whether Moscow is gaining real influence beyond the country’s small size. China Finance & Industry: A new look at “Beijing effect” lending shows how infrastructure loans can turn into long-term financial and resource-sector dependency, shaping roads, mines, power and telecom buildouts across West Africa. Critical Minerals Risk: The IEA warns that export controls and refining concentration—still dominated by China—could expose huge downstream production outside China, even as public funding for critical minerals projects surges. Value-Add Pressure in Minerals: Africa’s push to halt raw exports (including Gabon’s planned manganese move) faces a tougher test: building the full industrial ecosystem—power, chemicals, transport and engineering—to make refining viable. CEMAC Liquidity: A study urges BEAC to create an emergency liquidity facility (CFA1.7–2.3tn) to protect essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during geopolitical shocks, with Gabon among the affected economies. Oil & Gas Value Chain: National oil companies plan to intensify regional refining and cross-border petroleum trade at the APPO NOC-CEO Forum in Cape Town on Oct 12, targeting bankable projects and shared infrastructure. Gabon Tech & Banking: BGFI Bank Group renews its partnership with SBS for a Group-wide digital banking rollout using the SBS Digital Banking Suite, starting with pilot subsidiaries. Air Connectivity: Nigeria’s Port Harcourt International Airport gets full certification, opening the door to more international routes—relevant for regional travel and logistics. OPEC Output: OPEC crude production rebounded in June, with Gabon up slightly to 224,000 bpd.

Central Africa Energy & Finance: A new study urges BEAC to set up an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7tn–CFA2.3tn to keep financing essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during geopolitical shocks, with the proposal tied to CEMAC’s vulnerability to disruptions. Critical Minerals & Industrial Policy: The IEA warns that critical minerals supply chains are becoming a direct economic security risk as refining stays concentrated (China and Indonesia driving most refined output growth) and export controls spread; it also notes Gabon’s plan to halt raw manganese exports later this decade. Oil & Gas Value Chain: National oil companies are gearing up for the APPO NOC-CEO Forum in Cape Town on Oct 12, focused on regional refining, gas markets, cross-border petroleum trade and bankable project financing. Digital Banking in Gabon: BGFI Bank Group renews its partnership with SBS for a Group-wide rollout of the SBS Digital Banking Suite, starting with pilots before expanding across Africa and Europe. Local Development Governance (Togo): Togo’s territorial administration ministry begins talks with the AU to support local development, capacity building, peace and security, and economic empowerment for women and youth. Aviation & Connectivity: Nigeria’s Port Harcourt airport gets full certification, opening the door to more international routes—relevant for regional trade and travel links.

Critical Minerals Watch: The IEA says investment in mining and refining fell 9% last year as geopolitics and price swings bite, while supply chains are getting more concentrated—China and Indonesia drive over three-quarters of refined output growth—and export controls are rising risk, with rare-earth restrictions already forcing some manufacturers to scale back. Value-Add Pressure in Central Africa: A new analysis argues Africa’s export bans are only the opening move; the real hurdle is building the full industrial ecosystem for refining—reliable power, chemical inputs, transport and engineering—so countries like DR Congo, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Gabon can convert mineral leverage into local industry. CEMAC Liquidity Proposal: A study urges BEAC to set up an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7–2.3 trillion to keep financing essential imports (food, fuel, pharma) during geopolitical shocks, including for Gabon. Regional Energy Agenda: APPO NOC-CEO Forum in Cape Town on Oct 12 will push regional refining, gas markets, cross-border petroleum trade and shared infrastructure under African Energy Week. Gabon Finance & Digital Banking: BGFI Bank Group renews its partnership with SBS for a Group-wide rollout of SBS Digital Banking Suite, starting with pilots before expanding across its network. EV Market Signals: Changan opens its first Ethiopian showroom in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia keeps its EV-only import policy, with sales, servicing and logistics handled via local partner GT Motors. Air Connectivity Boost: Port Harcourt International Airport in Nigeria gets full certification and an operational license, clearing the way for more international routes.

Regional Finance & Trade Resilience: A new study urges BEAC to set up an emergency liquidity facility of CFA1.7tn–CFA2.3tn to keep financing flowing for essential imports like food, fuel and pharmaceuticals during major geopolitical shocks, with the proposal pegged at about 2%–3% of CEMAC GDP. Oil & Gas Value-Chain Push: National oil chiefs are set to meet in Cape Town on Oct 12 for the APPO NOC-CEO Forum alongside African Energy Week, focusing on regional refining, cross-border petroleum trade, gas markets and project financing—key themes for Gabon’s downstream ambitions. Digital Banking Expansion: BGFI Bank Group (Librevile) renews its partnership with SBS, signing for the SBS Digital Banking Suite to roll out a group-wide digital foundation across subsidiaries, starting with pilots. Gabon Energy in the Spotlight: OPEC data shows Gabon’s crude output rose by 10,000 bpd in June to about 224,000 bpd. Creative & Entrepreneurship Skills: KASA Africa Academy launched its Creative Entrepreneurship Fellowship in Accra, training young creatives with business skills; it included one participant from Gabon. Aviation Connectivity: Port Harcourt International Airport in Nigeria received full certification, opening the door to more international routes—relevant for regional travel and logistics planning.

Oil & Gas Value Chain: APPO’s NOC-CEO Forum (Oct 12, Cape Town, alongside African Energy Week) is set to push regional refining, gas market links, cross-border petroleum trade, and harmonised rules—aimed at cutting Africa’s dependence on imported fuels and mobilising bankable projects for 2027. Digital Banking: BGFI Bank Group (Liberville) renews its partnership with SBS for a Group-wide rollout of the SBS Digital Banking Suite under BGFI 30 (2026–2030), starting with pilot subsidiaries before expanding across Africa and Europe. Exploration Update: ReconAfrica reports preliminary testing results from Kavango West 1X: Elandshoek zones produced natural gas to surface on multiple flow tests, with samples heading to labs in the US; equipment is moving to test shallower Huttenberg zones next. Gabon in the Spotlight: A new study on Oklo’s natural nuclear reactor traces the phenomenon to uranium ore near present-day Gabon, adding fresh context to the country’s deep geological significance. Aviation & Connectivity: Port Harcourt International Airport (Nigeria) gets full certification, opening the door to more international routes—good news for regional passenger and cargo flows. Energy Markets: OPEC crude output rebounded in June, with Gabon up slightly to about 224,000 bpd. Trade & Travel Costs: EU travellers face varied entry fees; Gabon’s tourist entry fee is listed at $85. Creative Economy: KASA Africa Academy’s Creative Entrepreneurship Fellowship (with a Gabon participant) trains young creatives to build sustainable businesses.

Oil & Gas Value Chain: APPO national oil company CEOs will meet in Cape Town on Oct 12 alongside African Energy Week to push regional refining, a cross-border petroleum products exchange, gas market build-out and harmonised rules—key for countries including Gabon that still import refined fuels. Banking & Digital Transformation: BGFI Bank Group (Librevillle) renewed its partnership with SBS for a Group-wide rollout of the SBS Digital Banking Suite under BGFI 30 (2026–2030), starting with pilot subsidiaries before expanding across Africa and Europe. Aviation & Connectivity: Nigeria’s Port Harcourt International Airport received full certification and an operating licence from the Civil Aviation Authority, clearing the way for more international routes—Libreville is among the few Central Africa destinations currently served. Airline Expansion: ValueJet plans to induct its first Boeing aircraft (737) to boost passenger and cargo capacity and extend regional/international routes, alongside engineer training in Lagos. Carbon Pricing Watch: A Carbon Observer brief flags carbon pricing growth globally and the harder-to-price sectors—aviation and maritime—while noting EU/UK border measures are driving demand for credits. Infrastructure Finance (Central Africa): Cameroon secured UK-backed financing for the long-delayed Ebolowa–Akom II–Kribi road corridor, aiming to cut transport costs and improve access to Kribi’s port. Energy Tech (Gabon in focus): NOG Energy Week highlights FLNG as a fast-growing LNG route, with Africa hosting multiple FLNG projects including Cameroon, Congo and Gabon. Trade & Logistics: Shipbroker data shows West African crude oil exports turned negative again in Jan–Jun 2026, with loadings down year-on-year. Climate & Food Security: UN and partners are appealing for $200m to help African countries absorb El Niño impacts, with drought and heat already hitting crops and prices. Policy & Governance: A Freedom and Prosperity Index brief argues rule of law is a last barrier against democratic erosion and has declined sharply since 2020. Conservation & Land Use: UK has abandoned tens of millions in Congo rainforest funding, leaving civil society worried about non-ring-fenced support as aid budgets tighten. Regional Industry Note: OPEC crude output rebounded in June, with Gabon recording a small rise.