Gabon launches poultry loan programme to cut chicken imports by 2027
Government rolls out targeted financing through BCEG to support local poultry producers
GABON – Gabon has introduced a new financing programme aimed at expanding domestic poultry production as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on imported chicken meat by 2027.
The initiative is being implemented through the Bank for Commerce and Entrepreneurship of Gabon, known as BCEG, and focuses on providing structured loans to local poultry farmers to increase output and improve production capacity.
Authorities say the loan scheme is aligned with a wider agricultural reform plan that seeks to shift the economy away from heavy reliance on oil revenues and place greater emphasis on food production and agri-based industries.
First financing approvals
As the programme gets underway, BCEG has approved funding for BTF Farming, a Gabonese-owned agribusiness that operates across poultry, fish farming, and crop production using an integrated model.
According to officials, the financing will be used to expand farm operations, acquire modern equipment, and upgrade production systems, with the aim of increasing volumes and improving efficiency.
The government views the support for BTF Farming as a pilot case designed to show that large-scale poultry production is commercially viable within Gabon’s local market.
Loan access for poultry farmers
Beyond the initial beneficiary, the programme allows eligible poultry producers across the country to apply for individual loans valued from roughly US$160,000 [about CFA100 million] to higher amounts running into several hundred thousand US dollars, offered at preferential interest rates and short repayment timelines.
The scheme is intended to address long-standing financing gaps that have limited the sector’s growth, particularly for farmers who have struggled to secure affordable credit for expansion.
Local producers have historically faced difficulties competing with imported chicken due to high input costs, ageing infrastructure, and limited access to capital needed for modern facilities.
Through the new loans, farmers are expected to invest in improved poultry housing, higher-performing breeds, better feed systems, and more efficient slaughtering and processing facilities.
The government has stated that replacing imports with locally produced chicken would reduce foreign exchange spending while supporting domestic supply chains linked to feed, transport, and retail.
Officials also expect the expansion of poultry farming to create jobs, especially in rural areas, and to increase incomes for farmers and related service providers.
However, industry specialists have warned that access to finance alone may not be sufficient to meet national demand without parallel improvements in feed production, power supply, cold storage capacity, and transport networks.
High feed prices, inconsistent electricity, limited veterinary services, and distribution challenges remain key constraints that could affect output consistency and costs.
Despite these risks, the poultry financing programme signals a policy shift toward greater state involvement in supporting food production.
As the 2027 deadline approaches, the performance of the loan scheme is expected to influence future decisions on agricultural financing and food security initiatives in Gabon.
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