Gabon signs US$1.38 billion poultry investment deals ahead of 2027 import ban
New investments cover feed mills, poultry farms, processing facilities, and training programs
GABON – Gabon has concluded investment agreements worth about 775 billion CFA francs (US$1.38 billion) as the government moves to expand domestic poultry production and reduce reliance on imported chicken ahead of a planned import ban in 2027.
The agreements fall under the country’s Emergency Operational Plan for the Poultry Sector, which focuses on developing an integrated poultry industry through feed production, commercial farming, processing facilities, transport systems, and distribution networks.
Authorities said the initiative is intended to increase local chicken output, stabilise domestic market supply, and support employment across the agricultural sector.
International firms enter poultry projects
As part of the program, Turkey-based Hakan Kiran Holding will establish a poultry complex in Ntoum with an annual production capacity estimated at 60,000 metric tons.
At the same time, NJS/Avi Gabon plans to expand poultry farming operations in the Woleu-Ntem region alongside the construction of a feed manufacturing facility expected to produce around 24,000 metric tons of animal feed annually.
Another agreement involves the Chinese Association of Agricultural International Exchange and Grove Metal Limited, which are jointly developing an agro-industrial park valued at close to 244 billion CFA francs (US$434 million).
In addition, Qingdao Intelligent Poultry Investment Development Co., Ltd. has committed to constructing a poultry production facility with a projected annual capacity of 45,000 metric tons.
The latest projects follow earlier state-backed measures aimed at increasing domestic agricultural production and encouraging private-sector participation in poultry farming.
Earlier this year, Gabon’s national development bank introduced an agricultural lending program valued at 6.8 billion CFA francs (US$12.1 million) targeting agribusiness operators and poultry producers seeking financing for expansion projects.
Meanwhile, the government launched a training initiative in late 2025 to prepare around 40,000 workers for roles in poultry farming, feed production, disease management, processing operations, and farm administration.
Gabon also signed a separate agreement with Algeria’s Graine International to develop poultry farms, hatcheries, and slaughter facilities expected to produce approximately 72,000 metric tons of chicken meat annually by 2027.
Import substitution strategy
The investments come as Gabon prepares to halt broiler chicken imports from January 1, 2027, under a government policy aimed at increasing food production in the country.
For years, imported poultry products have accounted for a significant share of local consumption, leaving the market exposed to external supply disruptions and international price movements.
Officials expect the expansion of poultry farms, feed mills, and processing plants to generate employment opportunities while increasing activity in related sectors such as transport, packaging, cold storage, and veterinary services.
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