By: Travel and tour World

Gabon is set to bring new exploration and gas opportunities to African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in Cape Town. The Central African nation is reigniting investor interest with discoveries, deepwater acreage, and bold gas infrastructure projects. With more than two billion barrels of reserves, Gabon is positioning itself as one of Africa’s most competitive upstream markets. The country’s leaders will use the AEW 2025 stage to outline a roadmap for growth, regulatory reform, and long-term energy security.

Gabon Prepares to Reignite Upstream Growth

Gabon has produced oil for over five decades. Today, the government wants to move beyond mature fields and unlock new frontiers. At AEW 2025, officials will share details on exploration acreage, production targets, and incentives. The “Invest in Gabon” Roundtable will feature the Minister of Petroleum, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, alongside the Minister of Universal Access to Water and Energy, Philippe Tonangoye, and the CEO of Gabon Oil Company, Marcellin Simba Ngabi. Together, they will highlight new opportunities across the value chain.

Recent Discoveries Spark Investor Confidence

Momentum is already visible. In March 2025, the Bourdon discovery in the offshore Dussafu block created fresh excitement. Production increases from Perenco, BW Energy, and VAALCO Energy are also helping. The government’s target is clear. Output should reach 200,000 barrels per day by opening mature assets further and encouraging new entrants to frontier acreage. These figures are ambitious but realistic, given Gabon’s geology and investor-friendly terms.

Focus on Untapped Deepwater Acreage

One of Gabon’s strongest cards is its deepwater acreage. Large sections remain unexplored, even though geological studies show significant potential. The Ministry of Petroleum has launched reforms to attract mid-cap and independent players. These include flexible production-sharing contracts, streamlined permitting, and better data access. Minister Nguema Nguema has stressed that deepwater is central to Gabon’s competitiveness. With global markets shifting, Gabon wants to prove it can supply reliable barrels well into the future.

Gas Master Plan Drives Energy Security

Oil is not the only story. Gabon is rolling out its Gas Master Plan to strengthen domestic supply and support exports. The government has partnered with Perenco and Gabon Oil Company to develop a $983 million LNG plant in Port-Gentil. The project aims to cut gas flaring, monetise reserves, and supply clean fuels. It builds on Perenco’s $2 billion Cap Lopez LNG terminal, which will host a floating LNG vessel due online in 2026. These projects show Gabon’s intention to make gas a pillar of its future economy.

LNG Investment Boosts Global Relevance

The LNG drive positions Gabon as a future supplier to global markets. Perenco’s Port-Gentil investment, combined with Cap Lopez, creates a diversified gas hub. Exports will reach new customers, while domestic users benefit from reliable power. Plans are also in place to expand gas-to-power for local industry and households. This reduces reliance on imports and reinforces Gabon’s energy independence. In an era of energy transition, Gabon is showing how African countries can balance hydrocarbons with cleaner fuel ambitions.

Strong Institutional Leadership

Institutional reforms underpin this strategy. The Gabon Oil Company has become a central player, managing assets, driving partnerships, and building local content. Transparency measures and regulatory changes are also improving confidence. Investors value clarity, and Gabon is showing it can modernise. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, has praised Gabon’s progress. He noted that AEW 2025 will allow operators, financiers, and service providers to engage directly with Gabon’s leadership.

AEW 2025 as a Global Platform

African Energy Week is the continent’s premier energy investment event. Gabon is using the platform to position itself as an attractive frontier. The “Invest in Gabon” Roundtable will showcase acreage, incentives, and success stories. It will also highlight opportunities in downstream and midstream projects. For global investors, the message will be clear. Gabon is ready, transparent, and competitive. For African peers, Gabon’s example shows how policy, discovery, and gas strategy can align.

What It Means for the Travel and Tourism Industry

Although the announcement is energy-focused, there are travel implications. Major oil and gas conferences bring international visitors, from executives to investors. Cape Town will benefit from increased arrivals during AEW 2025. Airlines, hotels, and tourism services will see strong demand. In Gabon itself, new infrastructure projects bring expatriates, contractors, and corporate travel. As Port-Gentil grows as a gas hub, it will need expanded connectivity and hospitality services. This creates opportunities for tourism operators to diversify beyond leisure and include energy-sector travel.

Opportunities for Regional Integration

New oil and gas projects also require supply chains. This links Gabon with neighbours in Central and West Africa. Ports, logistics, and business travel will increase. Airlines may add routes to meet demand between Gabon and hubs such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Accra. This spillover strengthens regional tourism and trade. Conferences like AEW 2025 highlight these connections and attract international exposure. Gabon’s repositioning is not only about barrels. It is about opening its doors to global engagement.

Long-Term Vision for Growth

Gabon’s long-term energy strategy is built on three pillars. First, maximise oil output by opening mature and frontier fields. Second, expand gas development to serve both domestic and export markets. Third, attract investors with clear rules and strong governance. Together, these pillars provide a stable platform. The government wants to prove that Gabon is not a risky bet, but a competitive and secure destination. The AEW 2025 showcase will underline this vision to the world.