The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Gabon in 1960 following Gabon’s independence from France. Relations between the U.S. and Gabon are excellent. The U.S. applauds Gabon’s efforts to increase regional cooperation on environmental issues, while at the same time urging Gabon to take bold steps to root out corruption and to reform the judiciary and other key institutions to ensure
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Gabon in 1960 following Gabon’s independence from France. Relations between the U.S. and Gabon are excellent. The U.S. applauds Gabon’s efforts to increase regional cooperation on environmental issues, while at the same time urging Gabon to take bold steps to root out corruption and to reform the judiciary and other key institutions to ensure the protection of human rights. Gabon and the U.S. share a commitment to diversify and strengthen Gabon’s economy, expand bilateral trade, ensure security in the Gulf of Guinea, and combat wildlife trafficking.
Gabon’s economy is dominated by oil. The government is focused on economic diversification, most notably by expanding the agribusiness and tourism sectors. Most foreign investment, including U.S. investment, is concentrated in the oil and extractive sectors. Gabon is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Gabon include machinery, agricultural products, vehicles, and
Gabon’s economy is dominated by oil. The government is focused on economic diversification, most notably by expanding the agribusiness and tourism sectors. Most foreign investment, including U.S. investment, is concentrated in the oil and extractive sectors. Gabon is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Gabon include machinery, agricultural products, vehicles, and optical and medical instruments. U.S. imports from Gabon include crude oil, manganese ores, agricultural products, and wood.
Gabon is a member of the African Union and began a two-year term as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council in 2022. Gabon works closely with other countries in the Congo Basin region to address deforestation and other environmental challenges. Gabon served as chair of the African Group Negotiators from 2020-2021, including at the United Nations Climate
Gabon is a member of the African Union and began a two-year term as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council in 2022. Gabon works closely with other countries in the Congo Basin region to address deforestation and other environmental challenges. Gabon served as chair of the African Group Negotiators from 2020-2021, including at the United Nations Climate Change 26th Conference of Parties (COP26). Gabon is also a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Gabon and the United States belong to many of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization. In 2020, Gabon and the United States served as the co-Secretaries of the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FOGG) group supporting regional maritime security goals.
The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates.
Since September, 2021 the United States has donated 588,030 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of Gabon. This includes 420,030 Pfizer and 168,000 J&J doses. Of the 588,030 vaccine doses, 100% were donated in partnership with COVAX.
The United States is committed to leading an international and coordinated effort to accelerate access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to meet global needs. The United States is working with other governments and partners including COVAX, Caricom, and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to protect communities from COVID-19 and apply lessons from this pandemic to enhance health security now and in the future.