Central African nation opens doors to Rwandan agricultural expertise as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation
KIGALI — Gabon is preparing to offer substantial tracts of arable land to Rwandan investors as part of a broader strategy to transform its agricultural sector and reduce dependency on food imports.
Ambassador Sylver Aboubakar Minko Mi-Nseme, Gabon's envoy to Rwanda, confirmed this week that his government stands ready to allocate land to Rwandan agricultural entrepreneurs without imposing strict upper limits on acreage.
"We have the space, and we need the expertise," Mi-Nseme stated during discussions with Rwandan investors in Kigali. "Gabon is geographically expansive, and our government views partnerships as essential to agricultural development. Investors simply need to indicate their land requirements we will make the necessary arrangements."
The diplomatic engagement follows a visit by 16 Rwandan farmers to Gabon in May 2026, where they established initial contacts with local communities and signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on agricultural development initiatives.
Strategic Partnership Taking Shape
At the center of these developments is KTHUB, a Rwandan enterprise formed by a consortium of eight investors with specialized knowledge spanning agriculture, livestock management, agro-processing, renewable energy, and irrigation systems.
Kabahizi Théoneste, the company's Managing Director, revealed that the consortium is preparing a comprehensive investment package focused on integrated commercial farming operations.
"Our model combines crop cultivation with poultry and cattle production for both meat and dairy markets," Kabahizi explained. "We already export products such as eggs and meat, but expansion requires access to larger land holdings. When the Ambassador presented Gabon's investment opportunities, we recognized immediate potential."
The consortium has indicated it would require approximately 50,000 hectares to establish operations at scale.
Poultry Production a Priority
A significant driver of the investment interest is Gabon's impending policy shift regarding poultry imports. The country's leadership has announced plans to cease broiler chicken imports entirely by January 2027.
"Rwandan investors have expressed strong interest in helping us achieve self-sufficiency in poultry production," the Ambassador noted. "They are proposing to establish a complete value chain encompassing feed manufacturing, poultry rearing, processing facilities, and marketing networks."
Fisheries Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange
Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Solange Uwituze, indicated that the partnership extends beyond land-based agriculture.
"Discussions are progressing on multiple fronts," Uwituze said. "While Gabon's fisheries sector is comparatively advanced, they are interested in Rwanda's experience with agricultural subsidy programs and technological innovations. Both countries stand to benefit from this knowledge exchange."
She added that livestock farmers are already actively exploring available opportunities in Gabon.
Beyond Poultry: A Comprehensive Agricultural Vision
Gabon's Ministry of Agriculture has identified designated zones for different agricultural activities. Some areas have been earmarked specifically for livestock operations, while others are suited for crop production including maize, cassava, vegetables, and other commercial crops.
The Central African nation covers approximately 267,667 square kilometers, with significant portions already set aside for agricultural investment purposes.
Kabahizi outlined the consortium's broader vision: "We aim to grow crops that can replace imports currently entering Gabon, while simultaneously producing goods that Rwanda must currently source from abroad. This creates mutual benefit."
The proposed operations would include a maize processing facility and an animal feed production plant, both requiring substantial raw material supply.
Employment and Economic Impact
The KTHUB Managing Director projected that the initiative could generate approximately 10,000 employment opportunities for young people, contributing to both countries' economic development objectives.
"This isn't just about agricultural production," Kabahizi emphasized. "It represents sustainable economic development through integrated farming systems."
Existing Investments and Future Growth
Ambassador Mi-Nseme noted that two investment firms are already operational in Gabon, and the country welcomes additional partners interested in agricultural development.
"KTHUB will present their specific project proposals to us, indicating their precise land requirements. The size of land requested is not a constraint — our focus is on establishing partnerships that deliver tangible results," he stated.
The diplomatic and economic engagement reflects growing ties between Rwanda and Gabon, building on previous high-level meetings and visits between officials from both countries.
