Construction & Real Estate
From The Report: Gabon 2016
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Following the construction surge leading up to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, the sector’s focus shifted towards improving infrastructure, roads and housing. However, the economic malaise facing Gabon in light of the domestic debt crisis, coupled with the subsequent reduction in oil prices, has translated into a serious slowdown in the construction sector, which shrunk by 3% in 2015. While the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will create some construction demand, the main industry drivers are expected to be infrastructure and housing. A network of roads and bridges connecting Libreville to Port-Gentil is slated to open in 2017, which will also drive a reduction in transport costs that should yield both cheaper inputs and construction materials.

This chapter contains an interview with Salim Kaddouri, Director-General, CIMAF Gabon; and Deputy Director-General, Cimgabon.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

The way forward: The sector has felt the impact of lower oil prices, but several major infrastructure projects should spur growth
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According to the IMF’s 2015 Article IV consultation with Gabon, the early years of the Emerging Gabon Strategic Plan (Plan Stratégique Gabon Emergent, PSGE) proved to be a significant boon for the construction sector. The IMF reported that “high oil revenues funded a scaling up of public investment that helped propel overall growth to nearly 6% on average, led by construction and services”. Following the construction surge leading up to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, the sector’s focus…

Interview

Solid foundations: OBG talks to Salim Kaddouri, Director-General, CIMAF Gabon; and Deputy Director-General, Cimgabon
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Interview: Salim Kaddouri What are the main drivers of growth in the construction sector at this time? SALIM KADDOURI: As an emerging economy, Gabon’s public infrastructure segment presents the best opportunities for growth given the number of roads and bridges remaining to be built. Unlike more developed economies, countries such as Gabon should consume around 500-550 kg of cement per capita per year, yet the number falls short of its target, reaching only 378 kg. Of course, we are currently…

Overview

Under pressure: Closing the housing gap remains a priority for the government
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As with many African property markets, Gabon has seen its different subsectors evolve in very different ways. Gabon has an estimated housing deficit of 200,000, concentrated on middle- and low-income earners, but there is a growing oversupply in the high-end segment. Despite empty units, high-end property remains expensive, especially in the capital city. Libreville is Africa’s third most expensive city, and it costs up to $5859 a month for a three-bedroom apartment, according to the Centre for…