GABON : TK Xport plans to build a Bus Assembly plant to boost urban mobility

(LVDE) – Based in Dubai, TK Xport has announced plans to set up a bus assembly plant in Gabon. This project, which includes an after-sales service and a training program for local technicians, aims to significantly transform the country’s urban transport landscape.

On 13 November 2025, during a meeting with the Minister of Transport, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, TK Xport unveiled an ambitious initiative that could revolutionize urban mobility in Gabon. The company, specialized in the automotive sector, expressed its intention to build a bus assembly plant in the country — a project designed to meet the growing demand for urban transport solutions.

With rapid population growth and accelerating urbanization, Gabon faces major mobility challenges. TK Xport’s project could offer a concrete solution by enabling local bus production. This approach could not only reduce acquisition costs for transport operators but also improve maintenance timelines thanks to a more localized supply of spare parts. By increasing the available fleet, the plant could contribute to renewing a vehicle stock that is often ageing.

During their presentation, TK Xport officials emphasized their commitment to promoting local employment. The company plans to recruit mainly Gabonese technicians, supported by a tailored training program. This ambitious effort aims to equip young people with the essential skills needed to operate and maintain the buses assembled locally, thereby creating skilled jobs in a rapidly expanding sector.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the project, it is important to note that no formal agreement has yet been reached between the Gabonese government and TK Xport. However, discussions are progressing, and prospects for an agreement appear positive. The Minister expressed the government’s willingness to support initiatives likely to deliver rapid economic impact, highlighting the importance of modernizing transport infrastructure.

The establishment of this assembly plant is part of a broader dynamic of local industrial development. TK Xport, which already has experience in Africa through similar projects in Senegal, The Gambia and Sierra Leone, relies on a partnership with Ashok Leyland, an Indian manufacturer renowned for its commercial vehicles. This collaboration could provide Gabon with access to specific know-how and proven expertise, facilitating the creation of a local automotive industry centered on bus assembly.

By integrating modern industrial practices and high quality standards, the project could lead to a significant improvement in the entire transport network. Maximizing parts availability and ensuring efficient maintenance could also strengthen the reliability of Gabon’s public transport services.

The expected impact of this initiative goes beyond economic benefits. In addition to meeting the population’s mobility needs, it could improve overall quality of life in urban areas. Adequate transport infrastructure not only facilitates daily commuting but also plays a key role in the sustainable development of the region. Sorelle Ninguem