Construction & Real Estate
From The Report: Gabon 2013
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Construction has been at the heart of government plans for economic development, with the expansion of energy and transport infrastructure intended to help realise the goal of diversifying the economy. The government seeks to generate over $13bn in infrastructure investments by 2016. The high cost of construction materials, limited transport infrastructure and delays on payments from the public sector will likely translate into a higher construction costs in the short to medium term. In the long term, however, the price of projects could come down.

Real estate activity in Gabon has decreased slightly since 2012, but remains on an upward path nonetheless, with demand across all market segments driving growth. Recent government initiatives to cut back on red tape should help to speed up project delivery. Demand for housing is likely to continue providing opportunities for investment for local and international companies, although the implementation of projects could still face obstacles as plans for urban regeneration and expansion confront sporadic and informal urban development on the ground.

This chapter contains an interview with Jim Dutton, Director-General, National Agency for Public Works.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Laying the foundations: Construction fuels growth as government implements development priorities in key economic sectors
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Aided in large part by preparations under way for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon’s construction sector has witnessed a boom in recent years. Construction has been at the heart of government plans for economic development, with the expansion of energy and transport infrastructure intended to help realise President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s overarching goal of diversifying the economy. The construction of housing, too, has been a government priority in light of an estimated shortage of…

Interview

OBG talks to Jim Dutton, Director-General, National Agency for Public Works
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Interview:Jim Dutton How is the government facilitating public-private partnerships (PPP) and foreign investment? JIM DUTTON: PPPs are key elements for the national development plan going forward. We have worked to establish, in conjunction with the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Budget, a funding model for the next 15 years that will involve significant private sector participation. Doing business in Gabon is not as bad as one might think. The administration in Gabon is very conscious…

Overview

A home of one’s own: Growing demand for housing continues to provide opportunities for investment
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Real estate activity in Gabon has decreased slightly since 2012, but remains on an upward path nonetheless, with demand across all market segments driving growth. High-end housing continues to be well received, and low-income housing is much needed. Recent government initiatives to cut back on red tape should help to speed up project delivery, which should in turn benefit affordable housing and large-scale commercial or retail projects. HIGH-END GROWTH: 2012 saw a peak in housing prices as…