GABON SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

AFRICA GABON SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

Driving investment into Gabon’s economy

REFERENCES COULEURS

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Made Easy Since formation in 2010, Gabon Special Economic Zone has attracted local and foreign investors thanks to its straightforward setup and strategic location Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Mann

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Aerial blueprint of the GSEZ

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n August 17, 1960 Gabon declared itself an independent nation following centuries of foreign intrusion and colonial conflict.

A momentous event, and one which is marked by a national holiday every year, independence from French rule has led to the development of a relatively stable political and social environment.

Fast-forward to the present day, and Gabon is emerging as something of a regional flagbearer for foreign investment. With the

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continent increasingly opening up to international enterprise, the Central African nation is proving itself as an enticing place to do business.

This is backed up by figures from Santander TradePortal, which show that foreign direct investment in 2017 neared $1.5 billion, up significantly from the $1.24 billion seen in 2016 and $990 million a year earlier.

Gabon is resource rich, notably in oil and forest, and the country has been recognised for its efforts to make doing business straightforward.

Santander, for example, cites special

FORESTRY AT THE FOREFRONT Wood product exports are big business for Gabon and wood products accounts for around nine percent of all exports, second only to oil and manganese.

Some 85 percent of the country’s landmass is covered by forest, and of these 21 million hectares around half is allocated as concessions for commercial production.

According to Singh, Gabon has the capacity to produce approximately 3.4 million cubic metres of round logs annually from the forests currently under harvesting, and this figure is likely to go northward when the all the forest concessions of 15.8 million hectares goes under logging.

He adds: “With long term sustainability of operations in mind, there is still a scope for another 120-150 more wood processing units to settle in GSEZ, or within Gabon.

“Moreover, the species and quality of wood required by veneer units, saw mills, furniture manufacturers and flooring companies are different, so they are not competing with each other for the raw material.

“GSEZ, as part of its business facilitation mandate, started a log supply chain by sourcing logs from third parties at the beginning of 2017 to facilitate the availability of raw material to all wood processing units at the site.

“All the wood processing units in Nkok exported around 160,000 cubic metres of veneer and 120,000 cubic meters of sawn timber in the year 2018, excluding the plywood and furniture. So, roughly around 700,000 cubic metres of wood was processed last year by the unit in Nkok SEZ.”

SGS INSPECTION SERVICES GABON S.A.

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GS Inspection Services Gabon S.A., is a member of SGS Group S.A. the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, SGS is setting the global benchmark for quality and integrity across a broad selection of industries.

With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world. SGS provides competitive advantage, drive sustainability and deliver trust. At SGS, we are continually pushing ourselves to deliver innovative services and solutions that help our customers move their businesses forward.

Powering this are the firm’s core services are: • Inspection – helps to control quantity and quality and meet all relevant regulatory requirements across different regions and markets.

• Testing – reduces risks, shortens time to market delivery and tests the quality, safety and performance of products against relevant health and safety requirements.

• Certification – demonstrates that products, processes, systems and services are compliant with national, international and customer-defined standards.

• Verification – ensures products and services comply with global standards and local regulations.

The services that SGS is providing to Olam Gabon, and its subsidiaries include Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx certification of lifting equipment, verification of loading of raw material, tank inspection, commissioning etc.

SGS INSPECTION SERVICES GABON S.A. (Nouveau Port) B.P. 2932 - POG T (+241) 01 56 85 79 – 06 00 26 75 E ogc.gabon@sgs.com SGS INSPECTION SERVICES GABON S.A. (Bd Triomphal, rue de l’IFG, Imm. Olam, Bloc D, 2ème étage à gauche) B.P. 13161 - LBV T (+241) 01 77 09 63 – 02 97 54 21 E gis.gabon@sgs.com

www.sgs.com Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

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• Oil & Gas • Industry • Mining

• International Trade • Conformity Assessment • Certification

Our philosophy — Independence, Impartiality and Quality SGS IS THE WORLD’S LEADING INSPECTION, VERIFICATION, TESTING AND CERTIFICATION

SGS INSPECTION SERVICES GABON S.A. Nouveau Port BP 2932 - Port Gentil Tél.: +241 01 56 85 79 Fax: +241 01 56 87 29 Mobile: +241 07 61 67 88 / +241 07 23 00 62 E-mail: ogc.gabon@sgs.com www.sgs.com

SGS INSPECTION SERVICES GABON S.A. Boulevard Triomphal Galerie Tsika, Block D BP 13161 – Libreville Tél.: +241 01 77 09 63 Fax: +241 01 77 09 86 E-mail: gis.gabon@sgs.com www.sgs.com

WHEN YOU NEED TO BE SURE

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economic zones where companies have tax advantages, preferential customs duties and simplified customs procedures.

Realising a vision

One such commercial safe haven lies at Nkok, 27 kilometres from the nation’s capital, Libreville.

Amounting to some 1,350 hectares of prime space for businesses to setup and grow, Gabon Special Economic Zone (GSEZ) has emerged as a goto place for many organisations, especially those specialising in the manufacturing of wood-based products.

Set up in 2011 by a partnership between Olam International Ltd, the Gabonese government and Africa Finance Corporation, it operates with

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a mandate to develop infrastructure, enhance industrial competitiveness and build a business-friendly ecosystem.

Commenting on what stands GSEZ apart, CEO Jasveer Singh says: “Single point government clearance and the single window approval system is the best feature of GSEZ. “We have 17 government departments in one building which is situated inside the SEZ. All approvals typically required to set up and run a unit, like company registration, industry licenses, work permits, custom exemptions, VAT exemptions, etc., are all processed at one location and there is no need for an investor to run from one office to another. These approvals are thus given in a timely manner.

AFRICA RAIL

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frica Rail is one of the Gabonese industry leaders in railway related works, with a team of highly esteemed personnel providing the basis for this reputation.

With almost 15 years of experience in the industry, we have consistently delivered multiple high-profile projects for globally renowned clients, priding ourselves on maintaining the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

We’ve already laid more than 20 kilometres of track as part of our cooperation with GSEZ in various regions across Gabon, and we are proud to help GSEZ participate in national development initiatives.

T +241 01 70 28 97 E secretariat@africarailsarl.com

www.africarailsarl.com

FUGRO

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ince 1962 FUGRO has focused on lifecycle project solutions for clients, from conception through decommissioning, providing the people, equipment, expertise and technology that support the exploration, development, production and transportation of the world’s natural resources, providing the technical data and information required to design, construct and maintain client infrastructures in a safe, reliable and efficient manner.

FUGRO expertise in geotechnical, survey, subsea, geoscience and geoconsultancy services, providing optimised solutions for each project, continues to support oil & gas, power, mining and building and infrastructure development throughout the world.

Africa enquiries: LAURENT PRONIER

Land and infrastructure intelligence Senior Advisor

T +33 467 592 644 M +33 672 079 330 F +33 467 592 842 E l.pronier@fugro.com

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ÉTUDES ET RÉALISATIONS FÉRROVIAIRES - GÉNIE CIVIL - BÂTIMENTS ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS

LAYING THE PATH, OUR JOB.

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• The renewal of the existing tracks • Laying of new tracks • Railway maintenance • Development and renovation of railway stations and workshop tracks • Diverse civil engineering works • Study and implementation of railways maintenance operations • Participation in railways studies and projects The great experience of all our collaborators makes AFRICA RAIL a leading player in the realisation of any railway project.

T +241 01 70 28 97 | secretariat@africarailsarl.com | www.africarailsarl.com

Unlocking insights from Geo-data, for a safe and liveable world.

Fugro creates value by acquiring and interpreting earth and engineering data, providing associated consulting services and project lifecycle solutions for client assets from conception through decommissioning.

SERVICES: • Land and Marine Site Characterisation • Geoconsulting • Asset Integrity • Geotechnical • Geophysical • Surveying • Geospatial • Subsea • Seabed Geosolutions

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“Further, GSEZ has two sources of quality power supply and an independent sustainable source of water.”

Currently, the site is home to more than 155 investors from 17 countries, a number which is set to grow as it boosts its profile as a West Central African manufacturing hub.

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“Single point government clearance and the single window approval system is the best feature of GSEZ"

of December, and the availability of logs during this period goes down since those harvested in the forest Gabon Wood Hub Indeed, Gabon Special Economic Zone cannot be evacuated in heavy rains.”

In order to ensure availability of logs has grown into the largest furniture all year round, including during the production hub in Central Africa.

It houses more than 40 workshops rainy seasons, GSEZ has developed a well-equipped 30-hectare log yard at and a 1,000 square metre common machine room, facilities backed up by a its railway siding.

“This allows handling of two million 1,000 cubic metre kiln dryer unit, 3,000 cubic metres of logs per annum and square metres of showroom space, and a 2,000 square metre packaging ensures a steady supply,” Singh continues. “The other logging, forest facility. harvesting and trading companies will Also vital to a smooth-running be also be able to rent space in this enterprise is a well-drilled logistical log yard to conduct direct trading with operation, and GSEZ provides this thanks to a dedicated 4,000 square the wood processing units in GSEZ, ensuring fair market competition.” metre area.

Another challenge addressed is Business benefits Gabon’s seasonal climate.

Further incentive for manufacturers, Singh explains: “Gabon’s rainy season extends from March to April and what Singh has already eluded and then from October until the middle to, is the seamless nature in which

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business can be established and conducted at GSEZ. Single window clearance enables the creation of a company within 24 hours and issuance of exemption certificates, along with technical approvals, entry authorisation and compliance certification, within a week.

This quick turnaround time is supplemented by a number of financial benefits, including zero percent corporate income tax, zero percent property tax and exemption from VAT and custom duties on machinery imports.

Another advantage highlighted by Singh is Gabon’s competitive transport setup.

“The country has far better transport infrastructure than most of its peers in Africa,” he observes.

“The government has made huge investment in the last five years to

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Software SAGE Accounting software, payroll and HR, commercial asset management, treasury Tomate Donor-funded project management, finance software, procurement, monitoring and evaluation

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further improve transport links as part of Gabon’s economic growth strategy.”

Gabon’s transport network currently includes more than 10,500 kilometres of road, 670 kilometres of Transgabonais Railway line and 3,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways.

However, shortage of rail rolling stock is a constraint, one which GSEZ is doing something about.

“We are investing around $70 million in the development of five railway sidings along the Transgabonais Railway line, four railway engines, 200 wagons and 120 trucks to ensure smooth transportation of logs from forest to factories inside the SEZ,” Singh continues.

“To ensure adequate supply of logs at these five railway sidings, GSEZ has

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tied up with reputed logging and forest harvesting companies which operate between them a forest concession of three million hectares.

“We believe that the availability of such logistical infrastructure will not only ensure required supply of raw material, but will gradually bring down the price of raw material even though the demand will increase.”

Driving sustainable growth

Such an increase in demand will also be managed sustainably, another vital element for Singh and GSEZ moving forwards, along with efforts to reduce illegal logging activity.

“We are currently working closing with the government to formulate a centralised system to curb and eradicate illegal logging,” he says.

SOS ELECTRONICS

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eadquartered in Libreville, Gabon, SOS Electronics has satisfied its customers since 1991 with a wide range of services and complete solutions.

Complementary services are offered in the field of new information and communication technologies and their many applications. Services include the sale or rental of computer equipment, supplies and consumables, wiring and installation of computer networks, maintenance and repair of computer equipment and advice, assistance and training.

SOS Electronics maintains a collaboration with its customers and partners based on mutual respect, professionalism and performance.

T +241 72 24 87, +241 56 03 39 E servir@sos-electronics.net

www.sos-electronics.net

TEREA

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longstanding player in environmental and forestry consulting in Gabon for more than 15 years, TEREA is recognised for the quality of its expertise and its knowledge of the local market.

"GSEZ has two sources of quality power supply and an independent sustainable source of water”

Privileged partner of the GSEZ since its creation, TEREA carries out impact studies and offers environmental and social expertise, training, advice, and support for compliance with national and international standards.

TEREA also supports companies in the wood sector in carrying out supplier analysis, management of forest concessions, and preparation and support for certification.

T +241 01 44 34 94, +241 04 15 14 09 E gabon@terea.net

www.terea.net

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LIBREVILLE Tel : +241 01 72 24 87 - 05 40 56 46 325 Avenue BOUET PORT-GENTIL Tel : +241 05 40 56 47 E-mail : servir@sos-electronics.net

Services

prestations de service

• Equipment sales

• Vente d’équipement

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• VSAT

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• Wi-Fi interconnection

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• Access control Video surveillance • Contrôle d’accès Surveillance vidéo • Tracking

• Suivi

• Queue management

• Gestion des files d’attente

• Biometric scoring

• Scores biométriques

E X P E R T I S E - C O N S U LT I N G - T E C H N I C A L A S S I S TA N C E P R O J E C T M A N A G E M E N T - C A PA C I T Y B U I L D I N G

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“With respect to wood processing in GSEZ, we intend to bring in further efficiency in the raw material utilisation"

“This will involve the use of the latest technology like RFID and GPS to track the movement of logs from the point of harvesting to the processing site and finally the end point of use.”

This work will only help GSEZ to broaden its appeal to other Gabonese and foreign entrepreneurs looking to invest, the site’s first phase already passing the 90 percent occupancy mark.

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The expertise of Ascoma Gabon Established in the centre of Libreville in 1963 and then in Port-Gentil, Ascoma Gabon carries out insurance and reinsurance brokerage throughout the Republic of Gabon.

Ascoma Gabon benefits from the support and the expertise of Ascoma network, international group of insurance brokerage which has been active in Africa for over 60 years.

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Work on the second phase is an ongoing priority, and Singh once more targets sustainability as a focus for attracting new custom.

He concludes: “With respect to wood processing in GSEZ, we intend to bring in further efficiency in the raw material utilisation.

“Around 35-40 percent of the wood coming to the site for processing is being discarded as waste, and we would welcome entrepreneurs who can bring in technology and products which can utilise the waste being generated by other wood processing units.”

REFERENCES COULEURS

Gabon Special Economic Zone Tel: +241 06 00 5888 / 5608 gabonsez@olamnet.com www.gsez.com PANTONE REFLEX BLUE C : 100

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PANTONE 124 C C:0

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PANTONE 355 C C : 94

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REFERENCES COULEURS

Gabon Special Economic Zone SA BP: 13559, Galerie Tsika Opposite Mbolo City Sports PANTONE REFLEX BLUE C : 100

Libreville Gabon

M : 73

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PANTONE 355 C

Tel: +241 06 00 58 88 | +241 02 00 10 86 C : 94

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gabonsez@arisenet.com

www.gsez.com

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