Ghana and Gabon have formally signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to significantly enhance cooperation across various critical sectors. These agreements cover political consultations, diplomatic training, agriculture, education, climate change, and security. The signing took place during a three-day working visit by Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to Accra, where he held bilateral talks with President John Dramani Mahama.
The core objective of these MoUs is to deepen economic integration and foster greater collaboration between the two West African nations. President Mahama highlighted Ghana's commitment to advancing intra-African trade, industrialisation, and broader economic integration. Both leaders expressed their intent to work closely to ensure businesses, investors, and citizens from both countries fully benefit from the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This initiative aligns with Ghana's long-standing policy of promoting regional economic blocs and strengthening ties with fellow African nations. The push for increased intra-African trade is a key pillar of Ghana's economic strategy, aiming to diversify its export markets and reduce reliance on traditional partners. Data from the African Union indicates that intra-African trade currently stands at around 15%, significantly lower than other continents, underscoring the potential for growth through such bilateral agreements.
President Mahama stressed that trade and investment must remain central to the partnership. He called for stronger collaboration between the private sectors of both countries. He also emphasized the need to facilitate investment flows and create an enabling environment for businesses. This includes fostering partnerships in key sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, transport and logistics, infrastructure development, financial services, and value addition.
Expanding commercial exchanges between Ghana and Gabon is expected to stimulate economic growth, create decent jobs, and enhance the competitiveness of their respective economies. Both nations, as maritime countries rich in natural resources, can deepen cooperation in sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, and fish processing. Collaboration in climate-smart agriculture, agricultural research, and food security initiatives will also strengthen livelihoods and support rural and coastal communities.
Regarding mining, President Mahama suggested that sharing expertise and best practices could promote responsible mining, local content development, mineral beneficiation, environmental stewardship, and transparent resource management. In education and human capital development, he called for stronger collaboration among universities, technical institutions, and research centres. This includes scholarship programmes to promote exchanges, scientific research, and technical and vocational training.
President Mahama also underscored the importance of cooperation in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, carbon markets, renewable energy, and sustainable forest management. He advocated for increased climate financing for Africa. He concluded by stating that both countries have a duty to build on their longstanding friendship and leave future generations a more dynamic, resilient, and prosperous partnership.
President Nguema reaffirmed Gabon’s readiness to build a permanent and constructive partnership with Ghana. He specifically highlighted the promotion of security within the Gulf of Guinea. He stressed the need to intensify joint efforts to combat maritime piracy, illegal trafficking, and other threats to maritime security. President Nguema also commended President Mahama for the reforms being undertaken in Ghana. He indicated Gabon's commitment to a coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable approach, grounded in dialogue, cooperation, and the sharing of experience, to promote peace and stability across the region.