With a monthly capacity of 2,500 tonnes, this transformation tool is designed to valorize ferrous scrap, metal waste, and various metallic debris collected across Gabonese territory to produce finished steel primarily destined for the construction sector. 

On the occasion of this ceremony, the Head of State emphasized that the purpose of this initiative lies in meeting domestic needs before considering, in the long term, an expansion toward subregional markets.


This infrastructure represents an investment of 6 billion CFA francs and enriches the productive system deployed by Foberd in the country since 1999. The group's investment history notably includes a 26 billion CFA franc envelope mobilized in 2016 to erect the Gabon Steelworks plants, which at the time had an annual capacity of 70,000 tonnes of rebar for reinforcement and 10,000 tonnes of welded tubes, as well as the establishment of the Industrial and Medical Gas unit (GIM Gabon) installed in Nkok. The group continues its expansion on the national market, a space where demand remains sustained despite the presence of historical players such as Gabon Steelworks, Gabon Boilermaking, and the Gabon Iron Company (Soferga). Together, these operators cover nearly 80% of domestic consumption, the remainder traditionally ensured by imports framed by restrictive measures introduced in February 2021 to preserve local production. Sector indicators testify to a certain vitality, with consolidated production reaching 1.125 million tonnes, up 16.7%, including 1.107 million tonnes of rebar compared to 956,670 tonnes the previous year, for a sector turnover amounting to 59.2 billion CFA francs, up 38.5%.


The strengthening of Fokou Group's position further unfolds in a competitive context marked by the emergence of other large-scale initiatives. A few months earlier, another Cameroonian steel operator, the Prometal group, launched the construction of a plant valued at 38 billion CFA francs in Nkok. Launched on July 1, 2026, this project aims to achieve an annual capacity of 60,000 tonnes of rebar, alongside the production of tubes, sheets, and nails, before envisaging, in a subsequent phase, a deeper transformation of raw iron ore.


Nlend Flore

Tags: gabon acierie fokou port-gentil transformation ferreuse construction investissement 6 milliards fcfc siderurgie production locale marché national