Gabon to Ban Raw Manganese Exports by 2029 in Push for Industrialization
Gabon announces a 2029 ban on raw manganese exports to promote local processing job creation and economic sovereignty Learn about the policy’s impact industry response and future outlook .
On May 30 2025 during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema the Gabonese government announced a landmark decision the ban on raw manganese exports starting January 1 2029 This bold policy aims to shift the nation away from a purely extractive economic model and toward domestic industrialization and value creation .
The Rationale Behind the Ban
Gabon is the second largest producer of manganese globally with annual production estimated between 6 and 11 million tonnes Manganese is a crucial component in steelmaking stainless steel alloys and batteries for electric vehicles .
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The governments decision to halt raw exports serves several strategic objectives
- Encourage local processing and industrialization .
- Create skilled employment opportunities .
- Increase domestic tax revenue .
- Retain more economic value within the country .
- Assert national economic sovereignty .
By banning raw manganese exports Gabon aims to break from colonial era economic dependencies and build a sustainable self sufficient industrial economy .
Three Year Transition Period
To allow stakeholders to adjust the government has granted a three year grace period until 2026 During this phase mining companies are expected to .
- Invest in local mineral processing infrastructure .
- Establish training centers to develop technical skills .
- Collaborate with the state on a public private industrial fund .
Stéphane Zam a government representative described the initiative as progressive and irreversible .
CSTG Endorses the Policy
The Confédération Syndicale des Travailleurs du Gabon CSTG has strongly supported the move CSTG Secretary General Joscelain Lébama praised the ban as a historic decision and a definitive break from the colonial export model .
- He emphasized the importance of transforming Comilog the national manganese company co owned with French firm Eramet into a key industrial driver within Gabon .
- This is about ending a system that enriches foreign cities while leaving our people with no skills or jobs said Lébama .
Industry Response and Economic Impact
Eramet the French co owner of Comilog acknowledged the governments decision and signaled its willingness to collaborate constructively The company with a 30 year presence in Gabon highlighted its commitment to .
- Supporting industrial transformation .
- Maintaining sustainable operations .
- Preserving the role of Comilog and its rail partner Setrag .
Despite this the stock market reacted with caution Eramets shares fell by 5 percent after the announcement signaling concerns over operational and financial adjustments .
Challenges and Regional Parallels
Gabon joins countries like Indonesia nickel Zimbabwe lithium and Guinea bauxite that have enacted similar raw material export bans to stimulate local processing However Gabon must address key challenges .
Insufficient energy supply though new hydroelectric 600 MW and solar projects are in development .
No domestic steel industry to absorb manganese output prompting consideration of ferromanganese alloy production .
Outlook Toward Economic Sovereignty
Gabons 2029 export ban represents a defining moment in its national development Backed by the CSTG and cautiously welcomed by industry the policy promises to transform the resource rich nation into an industrialized economy .
If successful this strategy could lead to stronger national industries improved workforce skills and sustainable economic independence a real step toward economic sovereignty and inclusive growth .