AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Crime: Three alleged traffickers arrested in Cameroon with more than 700 kilograms of pangolin scales are facing trial. Authorities say their network extends into Gabon and four neighboring countries, highlighting the cross-border threat to endangered pangolins. Cave Crocodiles: Newly released footage captures Gabon’s dwarf crocodiles ambushing bats in the Abanda caves—the first time the behavior has been filmed. Researchers warn the isolated population is at risk because its cave habitat lies outside protected areas. Iboga: Gabon has halted exports of iboga and its derivatives while it develops a national benefit-sharing framework. A community group has earned about $50,000 from legal shipments, but its share of downstream profits has yet to arrive. Seabed Mining: A new report warns deep-sea mining could cut revenues from land-based minerals, including Gabon’s, while exposing governments to environmental and legal risks.

Cave Wildlife: Newly released footage shows Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles catching bats in the Abanda caves. Researchers warn the isolated population is at risk because its habitat lies outside protected areas. Iboga Benefits: Gabon has paused exports of iboga and its derivatives while it develops a national framework to share proceeds from the medicinal plant. The move comes as promised downstream benefits have yet to reach one community group. Seabed Mining: An independent report warns deep-sea mining could harm marine environments and reduce revenues for countries including Gabon that depend on land-based mining. Green and Blue Economy: The UN says it mobilized 10.5 billion CFA francs in Gabon in 2025, with part of the funding directed to sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient infrastructure and a greener economy.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: National Geographic footage shows Gabon’s tiny African dwarf crocodiles hunting bats in total darkness inside the Abanda caves, a behavior researchers long suspected but never recorded; conservationists warn the cave population sits outside protected areas and may be at risk. Trade & Food Security: With Gabon’s broiler chicken import ban set for Jan 1, 2027, a WTO challenge looms over whether Libreville’s push for local poultry can survive trade rules. Youth & Skills for a Green Economy: Gabon is launching its first cohort of 400 youth in Libreville for technical training, job placement and support, as the country pivots from oil dependence toward human capital and diversification. UN Funding for SDGs: The UN System in Gabon mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across governance, a “green-blue” transition, and social inclusion, with media pressing for real-world impact. Conservation Logistics: DHL supported the cross-border relocation of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to a sanctuary in Congo, highlighting practical wildlife protection cooperation.

Gabon’s UN boost for SDGs: The UN System in Gabon says it has mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, targeting good governance and human rights, a green-blue economy transition (including renewable energy, sustainable fisheries and climate-resilient infrastructure), and social inclusion. Youth skills push in Libreville: Gabon has started training 400 young people in Libreville under a wider skills-and-insertion drive meant to move beyond diplomas toward real jobs, income and value creation. Wildlife rescue logistics: DHL supported the cross-border relocation of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, routing via Libreville, Gabon, as conservation partners prepare her for rehabilitation and possible reintroduction. Gabon’s iboga benefit-sharing gap: A decree on benefit sharing for commercial iboga use exists, but communities say promised downstream value has not yet arrived, while Gabon also paused exports to build a new national framework. Gabon biodiversity spotlight: A new National Geographic series highlights Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles, filmed hunting bats in underground lairs. Energy and environment watch: A report on deep-sea mining warns it looks economically unattractive and could bring legal and environmental risks to sponsoring states, including Gabon.

UN Funding for SDGs: The UN System in Gabon has mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, targeting good governance and human rights, a “green-blue” economy shift, and social inclusion—while journalists pressed for clarity on real on-the-ground impact. Youth Skills Drive in Libreville: Gabon is launching its first cohort of 400 youth training and job-placement beneficiaries in Libreville, with plans to roll out nationwide, as the government argues skills and insertion can power economic diversification beyond oil. Wildlife Rescue Logistics: DHL supported the cross-border relocation of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, routing via Libreville, to begin rehabilitation with a view to future reintroduction. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: An independent report says deep-sea mining is economically unattractive and could leave sponsoring states like Gabon facing major revenue and legal/environmental risks. Gabon’s Iboga Benefit-Sharing Gap: Gabon’s decree on benefit sharing for iboga and related knowledge exists, but mechanisms to deliver promised community value are still not in place.

Gabon UN SDG Boost: The UN in Gabon announced a landmark 2025 funding envelope of $18.5m (10.5bn FCFA) across 21 agencies, targeting good governance and human rights, a green and blue economy transition, and social inclusion—with 300 staff deployed (70% Gabonese) and media pressing for clearer real-world impact. Gabon Youth Skills Push: Libreville is set to train the first 400 youth under a nationwide technical and vocational drive led by the Commerce ministry, aiming to move from training to job placement and value creation as Gabon diversifies beyond oil. Iboga Benefit-Sharing Gap: Gabon’s decree on iboga benefit sharing is in place, but mechanisms for distributing downstream value are still being built, after communities received about $50,000 from legal shipments since 2023 while promised benefits have not yet arrived. Wildlife Rescue Logistics: DHL supported the cross-border transfer of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, routing via Libreville, Gabon, as conservation groups push for long-term rehabilitation and reintroduction. Cave Dwarf Crocodiles Revealed: A new National Geographic video highlights never-before-seen hunting behavior by Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles, filmed in Abanda Caves using remote equipment.

African Energy Week (AEW): The African Energy Chamber says its sixth African Energy Week is shifting from big participation to real deals—aiming to rebalance how Africa shapes energy investment, financing and projects. Gabon youth skills push: Libreville is set to train the first cohort of 400 young people, with programmes linking technical/vocational training to job placement, support for entrepreneurship, and wider rollout across Gabon’s provinces—though public debate questions whether skills will quickly translate into lasting jobs. UN funding for SDGs in Gabon: The UN System in Gabon mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, focusing on governance and human rights, a green-blue economy shift (renewables, fisheries, climate-resilient infrastructure), and social inclusion. Wildlife rescue logistics: DHL supported the cross-border relocation of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, highlighting growing private-sector help for wildlife protection and rehabilitation. Gabon biodiversity spotlight: National Geographic footage reveals Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles hunting bats in underground lairs—an unusual behaviour now drawing global attention to local wildlife.

Youth Skills & Jobs: Gabon has launched its first cohort of 400 young trainees in Libreville, with a plan to roll out across all nine provinces, aiming to link technical training to real insertion, financing and project monitoring. Public Debate on Economic Shift: Reactions are mixed as critics ask whether skills alone can deliver sustainable employment and growth beyond Gabon’s oil dependence. UN Funding & SDGs: In Libreville, UN Resident Coordinator Fatou Aminata Lo presented Gabon’s 2025 UN envelope of 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) across 21 agencies, focused on governance and human rights, a green-blue economy transition, and social inclusion—while journalists pressed for clearer impact. Wildlife & Conservation Logistics: DHL supported the cross-border relocation of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, routing via Libreville, as conservation groups push for long-term rehabilitation and possible reintroduction. Biodiversity Spotlight: A new video highlights Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles hunting bats underground in Abanda Caves, underscoring the need to protect rare habitats. Iboga Benefit-Sharing Gap: Gabon’s decree on benefit sharing for iboga and related knowledge is still struggling to deliver promised community shares, even as exports were paused while a new national framework is developed.

UN Funding for SDGs in Gabon: The UN System in Gabon has mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, aiming to push good governance and human rights, a green-blue economy transition (renewables, sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient infrastructure), and social inclusion as Gabon prepares its 2028–2032 framework. Wildlife & Cross-Border Conservation: DHL supported the landmark relocation of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, routing via Libreville, Gabon, as conservation groups work toward long-term rehabilitation and possible reintroduction. Gabon’s Iboga Benefit-Sharing Gap: Gabon’s decree requires benefit sharing for commercial uses of iboga and related knowledge, but distribution mechanisms are still being built—communities report receiving only part of what they were promised, while Gabon has also moved to pause exports during a new framework rollout. Oil & Seismic Work Offshore Gabon: Record Resources says 3D seismic reprocessing and a resource report for its Ngulu block in Gabon are on track for completion by year-end, with appraisal planning and next steps underway. Gabon’s Wildlife on Film: National Geographic highlights Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles, filmed hunting bats in underground lairs—an unusual behavior now brought to light for a new series.

UN SDG Push in Gabon: The UN System in Gabon has mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, aiming to strengthen governance and human rights, drive a green-blue transition (renewables, sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient infrastructure), and expand social inclusion—while journalists pressed for clearer real-world impact. Wildlife Rescue Logistics: DHL supported the cross-border relocation of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, routing via Libreville, Gabon, to begin long-term rehabilitation. Gabon’s Iboga Benefit-Sharing Gap: Gabon’s decree on iboga benefit sharing is in place, but mechanisms for communities to receive downstream value are still being built, after legal shipments left one association waiting. Biodiversity Spotlight: New footage highlights Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles hunting bats in underground lairs. Oil & Seismic Update (Gabon): Record Resources says 3D seismic reprocessing and a resource report for its Ngulu block offshore Gabon are on track for completion by year-end.

UN SDG Funding for Gabon: The UN System in Gabon says it has mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, targeting good governance and human rights, a green-blue economy transition, and social inclusion as Gabon prepares its 2028–2032 framework. Wildlife Rescue Logistics: Conservation groups report that DHL supported the cross-border relocation of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, routing via Libreville, Gabon, with a long-term aim of rehabilitation and possible reintroduction. Medicinal Plant Benefit Sharing: Gabon’s decree on iboga benefit sharing is in place, but mechanisms to deliver promised community value are still being built, after legal shipments since 2023 left some local groups waiting. Oil Sector Scrutiny: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema met the IMF and VAALCO Gabon leadership, calling for greater transparency in public debt and oil governance. Offshore Oil Update: Record Resources says 3D seismic reprocessing and a resource report for its Ngulu block in Gabon are due by year-end, alongside appraisal planning.

UN SDG Funding for Gabon: The UN System in Gabon says it mobilized 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) for 2025 across 21 agencies, focusing on good governance and human rights, a green-blue transition (renewables, sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient infrastructure), and social inclusion—with journalists pressing for clearer real-world impact. Wildlife Rescue Logistics: DHL supported the cross-border move of rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria to the Republic of the Congo, routing via Libreville, Gabon, to the Tchimpounga rehabilitation center for further veterinary care and possible reintroduction. Iboga Benefit-Sharing Gap: Gabon’s decree on benefit sharing for iboga is in place, but communities say promised downstream shares haven’t arrived, and the country has also moved to halt exports while a new framework is developed. Gabon Biodiversity Spotlight: A National Geographic series highlights Gabon’s cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles, showing never-before-seen hunting behavior in underground lairs. Oil Sector Work in Gabon: Record Resources says 3D seismic reprocessing and a resource report for its Ngulu block are due by year-end, with appraisal well planning underway.

Wildlife rescue and cross-border logistics: Bili the gorilla, rescued in Lagos three years ago, has arrived at the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga sanctuary in the Republic of the Congo after a multi-country move that routed through Libreville, Gabon, with DHL coordinating aviation and cargo support. Biodiversity spotlight: A new National Geographic series reveals the world’s smallest dwarf crocodiles in Gabon’s Abanda Caves using a never-before-seen sneak attack to snatch bats from underground lairs. Medicinal plant benefit-sharing: Gabon’s decree on sharing benefits from iboga and related knowledge is in place, but distribution mechanisms are still being built, leaving at least one community waiting on downstream value. UN sustainable development funding: The UN says it mobilized $18.5m (10.5bn FCFA) in 2025 for Gabon across governance, a green-blue economy transition, and social inclusion, with journalists pressing for clearer real-world impact. Oil and environment governance: Gabon’s leadership is pushing for greater transparency on public debt and oil sector management, including work with the IMF to align figures. Conservation science in Gabon: New research debates how Gabon’s ancient sediment signals should be read in Earth’s early oxygen and carbon-cycle history.

Wildlife Rescue & Cross-Border Cooperation: DHL Express helped relocate rescued gorilla Bili from Nigeria’s Calabar to the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo’s Tchimpounga rehabilitation center near Pointe-Noire, coordinating logistics with customs and environment authorities across Nigeria, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire and Congo. UN Funding for Sustainable Development: In Libreville, UN Resident Coordinator Fatou Aminata Lo presented Gabon’s 2025 UN activity report, detailing a 10.5 billion FCFA (about $18.5m) envelope across 21 agencies aimed at governance and human rights, a green-blue economy shift, and social inclusion—while journalists pressed for clearer real-world impact. Public Accountability & Fiscal Savings: Gabon’s transitional authorities removed 1,473 ghost workers from the payroll after financial and biometric checks, projecting savings of over 11 billion FCFA a year to reinvest in schools and healthcare. Oil & Exploration Watch: Record Resources says 3D seismic reprocessing and a resource report for its Ngulu block offshore central Gabon are due by year-end, with appraisal planning and potential well activity following.

UN Funding for SDGs: The UN has pledged $18.5m (10.5bn FCFA) to Gabon for 2025 via 21 agencies, targeting good governance and human rights, a green and blue economy transition, and social inclusion as Gabon prepares its 2028–2032 agenda. Public Accountability: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema pushed for tighter public debt and oil governance, urging transparency and a shared understanding of Gabon’s finances with IMF experts. Ghost Workers Crackdown: Gabon removed 1,473 “ghost workers” from payrolls, projected to save over 11bn FCFA yearly for health, schools, and teacher/medical recruitment. Food Sovereignty at the WTO: Gabon’s planned poultry import ban from 1 Jan 2027 is now a diplomatic fight with the US at the WTO, as Libreville argues it’s about local industry and food security. Wildlife & Conservation: A rescued gorilla, Bili, was moved from Nigeria to Congo via a multi-country logistics operation routing through Gabon, aiming for eventual reintroduction. Energy/Environment Link: Oil-sector activity continues offshore Gabon, with seismic reprocessing and a resource report expected by year-end for the Ngulu block.

Gabon’s Oil & Debt Transparency Push: President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema met the IMF in Port-Gentil to reconcile estimates of public debt and urged stricter, transparent oil governance—aiming to align how Gabon manages its finances and VAALCO Gabon. Food Sovereignty at the UN: Libreville’s planned ban on frozen chicken imports from 1 January 2027 has escalated into a WTO dispute with Washington; Gabon says it’s about protecting local producers and building resilience, not just trade barriers. Wildlife Rescue in the Region: Rescued gorilla Bili completed a cross-border move from Nigeria to the Republic of Congo, with logistics support routing through Gabon—part of efforts to reintroduce her to the wild. Gabon’s Conservation Science Spotlight: FIU researcher Matthew Shirley will feature in National Geographic’s new series, with his Gabon dwarf crocodile work highlighted. Public Sector Integrity: Gabon removed 1,473 ghost workers from payrolls, projecting 11 billion FCFA saved annually for schools and healthcare. Women in Education: In Brazzaville, women teachers and union leaders backed advocacy for ratifying ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment at work.