UK–Gabon Trade & Investment Pre-Summit brings together tourism, agriculture, technology and investment expertise to explore new opportunities in Gabon
18 October 2026by
Jasmine
PRESS RELEASE
London, 8 October 2026
Participants at the UK–Gabon Trade & Investment Pre-Summit in London on 6 October 2026.
The UK–Gabon Trade & Investment Pre-Summit, organised by GBAN – Gabon Business Alliance Network, took place in London on 6 October 2026, bringing together participants to discuss practical opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration between Gabon and the United Kingdom.
The working session created space for discussion around Gabon’s tourism potential, skills and vocational training, agriculture and value chains, technology, digital infrastructure and the sustainable use of the country’s natural capital. Participants also explored how expertise, equipment, skills and networks could complement proposals being developed by others.
A central aim of the discussions was to move beyond identifying opportunities in principle and consider what further work would be needed to develop practical partnerships and proposals that could be assessed for their feasibility and investment potential. The discussions were exploratory; no funding or project commitments were announced at the event.
Connect FC presents its tourism and sport partnership proposal, using visual material from AGATOUR.
Tourism and Destination Gabon
AGATOUR, Gabon’s tourism development and promotion agency, contributed to the discussion on the country’s tourism offer and the role of international partnerships. In its response following the event, AGATOUR highlighted Gabon’s exceptional potential through its nature, biodiversity and culture, and the opportunity to offer distinctive ecotourism experiences.
AGATOUR also emphasised that sustainability, responsibility and authenticity should underpin tourism development. It noted the importance of training, professionalisation and service quality, and of partnerships that bring experience, expertise, skills and investment while creating value for local territories and communities.
The session also included a presentation from Connect FC on a potential sport and tourism partnership approach. The proposal was discussed as a basis for further consideration; its inclusion in the event materials does not constitute endorsement, a mandate or a commitment by GBAN or any public institution.
Technology, skills and investment
Professor Chris Imafidon contributed perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence and technology in Gabon’s economic development, including the importance of connecting technological opportunities with skills, partnerships and investment.
“It was an eye-opener for any serious investor, particularly those in the Anglophone world. There are vast hidden opportunities in Gabon, especially now that it is a Commonwealth country. It was a great platform for us to share how AI will transform Gabon’s economy. Thanks to the organisers for educating and re-orientating us all.”
— Professor Chris Imafidon, AI pioneer and adviser
Participants continue discussions and exchange ideas during the session.
From discussion to follow-up
The sector discussions highlighted the value of bringing together people who can contribute different forms of expertise and support. GBAN will use the outcomes of the Pre-Summit to help identify which ideas merit further discussion, who needs to be involved, and what evidence or preparation may be required to progress them.
GBAN also intends to explore appropriate ways of working with relevant Gabonese institutions, including ANPI, the National Agency for Investment Promotion, to help identify investment opportunities and connect them with potential UK investors and partners. Any such work would be subject to arrangements agreed with the relevant institutions and project owners, and would not replace their roles.
The Pre-Summit is part of the wider UK–Gabon Trade & Investment Summit programme, with the full Summit planned for London in March 2027. The next phase will build on the discussions and consider how promising ideas can be developed into more clearly defined opportunities for collaboration.
Jasmine Mengue, Director of GBAN, said:
“What encouraged us most was seeing participants identify practical ways to complement one another’s proposals. Our next step is to follow up on these connections, understand what each opportunity needs, and help bring the right people into the conversation.”
About GBAN
GBAN – Gabon Business Alliance Network is a UK-based Community Interest Company working to strengthen economic links between Gabon and the United Kingdom by connecting businesses, institutions, investors and partners around trade and investment opportunities.
Note: This press release summarises the discussions held at the GBAN Pre-Summit. It is not an official statement of the Government of Gabon or of any participating institution. Opportunities mentioned remain subject to further discussion, verification and development.
PRESS RELEASE
London, 8 October 2026
Participants at the UK–Gabon Trade & Investment Pre-Summit in London on 6 October 2026.
The UK–Gabon Trade & Investment Pre-Summit, organised by GBAN – Gabon Business Alliance Network, took place in London on 6 October 2026, bringing together participants to discuss practical opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration between Gabon and the United Kingdom.
The working session created space for discussion around Gabon’s tourism potential, skills and vocational training, agriculture and value chains, technology, digital infrastructure and the sustainable use of the country’s natural capital. Participants also explored how expertise, equipment, skills and networks could complement proposals being developed by others.
A central aim of the discussions was to move beyond identifying opportunities in principle and consider what further work would be needed to develop practical partnerships and proposals that could be assessed for their feasibility and investment potential. The discussions were exploratory; no funding or project commitments were announced at the event.
Connect FC presents its tourism and sport partnership proposal, using visual material from AGATOUR.
Tourism and Destination Gabon
AGATOUR, Gabon’s tourism development and promotion agency, contributed to the discussion on the country’s tourism offer and the role of international partnerships. In its response following the event, AGATOUR highlighted Gabon’s exceptional potential through its nature, biodiversity and culture, and the opportunity to offer distinctive ecotourism experiences.
AGATOUR also emphasised that sustainability, responsibility and authenticity should underpin tourism development. It noted the importance of training, professionalisation and service quality, and of partnerships that bring experience, expertise, skills and investment while creating value for local territories and communities.
The session also included a presentation from Connect FC on a potential sport and tourism partnership approach. The proposal was discussed as a basis for further consideration; its inclusion in the event materials does not constitute endorsement, a mandate or a commitment by GBAN or any public institution.
Technology, skills and investment
Professor Chris Imafidon contributed perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence and technology in Gabon’s economic development, including the importance of connecting technological opportunities with skills, partnerships and investment.
“It was an eye-opener for any serious investor, particularly those in the Anglophone world. There are vast hidden opportunities in Gabon, especially now that it is a Commonwealth country. It was a great platform for us to share how AI will transform Gabon’s economy. Thanks to the organisers for educating and re-orientating us all.”
— Professor Chris Imafidon, AI pioneer and adviser
Participants continue discussions and exchange ideas during the session.
From discussion to follow-up
The sector discussions highlighted the value of bringing together people who can contribute different forms of expertise and support. GBAN will use the outcomes of the Pre-Summit to help identify which ideas merit further discussion, who needs to be involved, and what evidence or preparation may be required to progress them.
GBAN also intends to explore appropriate ways of working with relevant Gabonese institutions, including ANPI, the National Agency for Investment Promotion, to help identify investment opportunities and connect them with potential UK investors and partners. Any such work would be subject to arrangements agreed with the relevant institutions and project owners, and would not replace their roles.
The Pre-Summit is part of the wider UK–Gabon Trade & Investment Summit programme, with the full Summit planned for London in March 2027. The next phase will build on the discussions and consider how promising ideas can be developed into more clearly defined opportunities for collaboration.
Jasmine Mengue, Director of GBAN, said:
“What encouraged us most was seeing participants identify practical ways to complement one another’s proposals. Our next step is to follow up on these connections, understand what each opportunity needs, and help bring the right people into the conversation.”
About GBAN
GBAN – Gabon Business Alliance Network is a UK-based Community Interest Company working to strengthen economic links between Gabon and the United Kingdom by connecting businesses, institutions, investors and partners around trade and investment opportunities.
Note: This press release summarises the discussions held at the GBAN Pre-Summit. It is not an official statement of the Government of Gabon or of any participating institution. Opportunities mentioned remain subject to further discussion, verification and development.
