Gabon signed a cooperation agreement with South Africa’s Council for Geoscience to strengthen geological research and accelerate development of its mineral resources, the Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources said Wednesday.
The agreement, signed in Cape Town, aims to modernize Gabon’s geological database, conduct new surveys and build technical capacity as the Central African nation seeks to diversify beyond oil.
The ministry said the partnership would help “unlock the full commercial potential” of the country’s mining industry.
Gabon holds deposits of iron ore, manganese and gold that remain largely untapped.
The government plans to work with one of Africa’s leading geoscience institutions to review existing data, update resource maps and identify new mineral prospects.
“This is a timely initiative in line with the directives of our head of state, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema,” Mines Minister Sosthene Nguema Nguema said in a statement.
He added that Gabon would need to collaborate with “advanced mining economies like South Africa” to increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
The agreement also provides for training programs, technical exchanges and joint research projects to strengthen local expertise.
The ministry said improved geological transparency and regulatory capacity could help attract South African mining companies and other foreign investors.
Both countries committed to sharing knowledge on modern mining technologies and environmental standards, including responsible mining practices and stronger monitoring frameworks.
The ministry said the cooperation aligns with broader efforts to promote intra-African collaboration in extractive industries.
