How Rwandan investors plan to use farmland in Gabon

Michel Nkurunziza

Gabon’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Sylver Aboubakar Minko Mi-Nseme, has said the country is ready to provide land for Rwandans wishing to invest in the agriculture and livestock sectors.

This week, the ambassador met Rwandan agricultural investors to discuss investment opportunities in Gabon. The investors said they require more than 50,000 hectares of arable land for commercial farming projects.

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“The land will be provided by the Gabonese government. It is available for investors. There is no fixed limit. Investors will simply indicate how much land they need. That is not a problem. Gabon is a vast country, and we need partners to help us develop agriculture,” he said.

Mi-Nseme said the visit was aimed at learning first-hand about Rwanda’s achievements in agriculture.

“I am in discussions with investors interested in the Gabonese market. Rwandan companies are keen to invest in Gabon’s agricultural sector, particularly in agricultural production and integrated farming systems.”

Opportunities in poultry:

He explained that Gabon’s president has decided that, from January 2027, the country will stop importing broiler chickens.

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“As a result, Rwandan investors want to help us produce broiler chickens domestically from January 2027. They will propose a fully integrated value chain covering feed production, poultry farming, slaughtering and marketing,” he said.

More than 16 Rwandan farmers visited Gabon in May 2026, where they met local communities and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the country’s agricultural development.

He said he had invited KTHUB, a Rwandan company established by a consortium of eight investors with expertise in agriculture, livestock, agro-processing, renewable energy, irrigation and related sectors, to establish operations in Gabon and replicate its successful business model.

Opportunities in fisheries:

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Solange Uwituze, said discussions are underway between Rwanda and Gabon to facilitate investment.

“Rwanda and Gabon will also exchange experience in the fisheries sector. Gabon’s fisheries sector is more advanced, while Gabon is learning from Rwanda’s agricultural subsidy programmes and technologies. We are working on a partnership agreement. Livestock farmers are already exploring the available opportunities,” she said.

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Crop production opportunities:

The Ministry of Agriculture in Gabon has already identified several areas for agricultural investment. Some are designated for livestock farming, while others are reserved for crop production, including maize, cassava, vegetables and other crops.

How Rwandan investors plan to use farmland in Gabon

Rwanda President, Paul Kagame and President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon

Gabon covers approximately 267,667 square kilometres, and the government has set aside large tracts of land specifically for agricultural investment.

“KTHUB will come to Gabon, present its project and specify how much land it requires. We will allocate that land accordingly. The size is not an issue,” the ambassador said.

He added that two investment companies are already operating in Gabon and that the country welcomes more investors.

Rwandan investors seek 50,000 hectares:

KTHUB Managing Director Kabahizi Théoneste said the company’s eight-member consortium is preparing to invest in Gabon through commercial integrated farming, combining crop production with poultry and cattle farming for meat and dairy production.

“We export various products, including eggs and meat. Expanding our operations requires more land. The Ambassador of Gabon to Rwanda informed us about the investment opportunities available there. We can grow crops to replace imports into Gabon while also producing goods that Rwanda currently imports,” he said.

He added that the consortium is seeking at least 50,000 hectares of land in Gabon.

“Such an area would enable us to establish large-scale integrated commercial farms. We can rear pigs and poultry, and grow coffee, cassava, maize and other crops. We are also building a maize processing plant and an animal feed factory, both of which will require substantial maize production,” he said.

He added that the initiative could create 10,000 jobs for young people.

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