The Gabonese government is set to prohibit the import of frozen chickens starting January 1, 2027, marking a bold step toward national poultry industry development. By 2028, the country aims to produce 125,000 tons of broiler chickens annually, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. However, significant challenges lie ahead in achieving this ambitious goal.

On June 2, 2026, Pacôme Kossi, the Minister of Agriculture, unveiled a 700 billion FCFA program designed to secure the country’s poultry meat self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with Gabon’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign imports, which currently account for 65,000 tons of frozen chicken annually. As reported by the FAO, domestic consumption matches these import levels. Economist Louis Ndong emphasized the plan’s purpose: “To achieve food sovereignty and ease the financial burden on households.”

Building a robust poultry ecosystem

Hervais Omva, President of the Zambia-based NGO IDRC AFRICA and poultry sector expert, highlighted the critical need for a fully integrated production chain. “The president has set a clear direction. Now, it’s up to industry stakeholders to construct the upstream and downstream ecosystem,” he noted. Omva stressed that local production of maize and soybeans—key feed ingredients—is indispensable, as these crops constitute about 75% of poultry diets. “Producing millions of tons of these cereals domestically will be a major hurdle,” he added. Job creation is another priority, with Omva cautioning that automated slaughterhouses, capable of processing up to 60,000 chickens daily with minimal staff, may not align with local employment needs. “To address youth unemployment, a locally adapted model is essential,” he concluded.

Attracting African investors to drive growth

Gabon is actively seeking African investors to support this agricultural transformation. Following President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s call at the Kigali Summit in mid-May 2026, several continental operators were received at the Presidential Palace on June 9. The government confirms that technical frameworks are in place, with an investment bank already operational. A senior Agriculture Ministry official stated, “Implementation will proceed in phases.” G.M., a Port-Gentil poultry farmer with a decade of experience and a 10,000-chicken operation, sees the policy as a game-changer. “The potential is undeniable, but scaling up to industrial levels requires substantial investment,” he remarked.

Structuring a resilient local poultry sector

The Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war exposed the vulnerabilities of import-dependent nations. Gabon now seeks to fortify its domestic poultry industry to mitigate such risks. Official statistics reveal that 54.6% of Gabon’s population is under 26 years old, while youth unemployment ranges between 30% and 38%, according to UNDP data. The development of this sector is thus pivotal for agricultural, economic, and social progress. Omva urged young Africans to seize the opportunity: “The president has laid the groundwork. Investors are ready.”