GABON : China’s CRBC selected to build the country’s second oil refinery

(LVDE) – On October 14, 2025, the Minister of Petroleum and Gas, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, signed a memorandum of understanding with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to construct a new refinery in Port-Gentil and develop over 250 kilometers of roads in northern Gabon.

Gabon is taking a major step forward in its oil sector with the signing of this memorandum of understanding between the Minister of Petroleum and Gas, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The Chinese construction giant has been tasked with building the country’s second oil refinery in Port-Gentil, along with more than 250 kilometers of roads in the north.

This new refinery marks a crucial milestone for Gabon. Currently, the country has only one refinery — operated by the Gabonese Refining Company (SOGARA) since 1964 — with an annual production capacity of around 900,000 tons of petroleum products, including white fuels and 350,000 tons of diesel. The establishment of this second refinery aims to increase Gabon’s crude oil processing capacity and reduce dependence on imported refined products. The project addresses a national priority, as the government seeks not only to meet domestic demand but also to enhance the country’s energy independence.

The economic impact of the project is expected to be significant. The Ministry of Petroleum and Gas announced that nearly 20,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created during the implementation phase. These employment opportunities are seen as a key driver for revitalizing the local economy and improving living standards in Gabon.

Alongside the refinery construction, the project also includes the development of several key road networks. These will connect Oyem to Medouneu via Bibasse and Sam, as well as Oyem to Minvoul and Minvoul to Bitam via Ebomane. These road infrastructures are vital for opening up northern Gabon, enhancing mobility for local communities, and boosting trade between different regions of the country.

This is not the first collaboration between Gabon and CRBC. The Chinese company has already made its mark through major infrastructure projects such as the Port-Gentil–Omboué Bridge and the development of the Balise Canal in Port-Gentil, stretching 1,097 meters. These previous projects demonstrate CRBC’s expertise and long-term commitment to Gabon’s infrastructure development.

If validated, this new agreement is expected to further strengthen cooperation between Gabon and China. The two countries have already forged partnerships across several key sectors, including infrastructure, mining, forestry, health, education, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation. This ongoing collaboration could also open new opportunities for Gabon as it advances its economic diversification strategy.

Sorelle Ninguem