Economic Activities in Gabon: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Gabon, with a population of about 2.59 million (2025), is ranked among the world’s less-populous nations. Located in Central Africa, it covers 267,670 square kilometers, ranking 74th globally, just below New Zealand.

Gabon's economy was valued at approximately $20.87 billion in 2024 (World Bank), placing it among the smaller economies globally. Gabon’s GDP per capita was roughly $8,263 in 2025, one of the higher figures in Sub-Saharan Africa, because its population is small relative to its oil wealth.

Gabon's economy is characterized by its reliance on oil exports, which account for a significant portion of its GDP. The country faces challenges in diversifying its economy and reducing its dependence on oil to ensure long-term sustainable growth.

Gabon Economic Structure & Sector Analysis

• Primary activities: 6.8% of GDP.
• Secondary activities: 47.2% of GDP.
• Tertiary activities: 42.3% of GDP.

Gabon economy by sector

Share of GDP, 2025, compared with the world average

Primary Sector of Gabon

With 8.36% of the land used for agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops like plantains, cassava, sugarcane, yams, and more. Agriculture contributes 6.8% to the GDP and provides food security and employment.

The diverse range of crops and animal products highlights the sector’s significance in sustaining the country’s agricultural economy.

With its diverse geological landscape, the primary sector thrives on abundant natural resources like petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore, and hydropower. This wealth fuels the economy and drives growth in various industries.Gabon’s gas production of 378 million m³ in 2020 contributes significantly to its economic activity, securing its position as the 75th largest natural gas producer globally.

Secondary Sector of Gabon

In Gabon, the main industrial products include petroleum extraction and refining, manganese, gold, chemicals, ship repair, food and beverages, textiles, lumbering and plywood, and cement.In 2023, Gabon’s total exports were dominated by natural resources like oil, and manufactures contributed relatively little, since the country relies heavily on extractive industries.

Tertiary sector of Gabon

The tertiary sector in Gabon encompasses various services that enhance productivity and meet needs. Key activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, tourism, transportation, and security. These sectors offer intangible goods like expertise, advice, and attention, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.In particular, Gabon’s economy heavily relies on tourism, with its stunning natural attractions drawing numerous annual visitors. The Lopé National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the breathtaking Kongou Falls are among the country’s most popular destinations, enticing tourists from around the globe. With tourist arrivals equal to a significant portion of its population, tourism adds to Gabon’s economic growth and development.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with nearly 3 million subscriptions, equating to 125 per 100 inhabitants. This connectivity supports technological growth, digital services and innovation.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Gabon

In Gabon, the military uses resources from the primary sector, like minerals, for its needs. The secondary sector helps by making military equipment. The tertiary sector includes services like healthcare for soldiers. The quaternary sector focuses on research and development for better technology, while the quinary sector involves high-level decisions and strategies for military actions.

In 2023, Gabon’s military expenditure was 265.1 million US dollars, which is 1.25% of its GDP. The active military force has 4,700 personnel, giving a ratio of 3.2 active military members for every 1,000 people in the country.

International Trade of Gabon

Import Activities of Gabon

Gabon’s imports accounted for about 20% of its GDP in 2023, totaling roughly $4.22 billion (World Bank WITS).Gabon’s key import activities involve a diverse range of commodities including poultry, plastic products, iron pipes, fish, and excavation machinery. The country’s major import partners are China (22%), France (21%), UAE (5%), US (5%), and Belgium (4%). These imports meet domestic demand and supply various sectors of the economy.

Exports Activities of Gabon

Gabon’s total exports in 2023 amounted to $12,934,645,029.99, representing 61.38% of its GDP. This high share shows how much the country’s economy depends on exports.Gabon’s export activities are dominated by crude petroleum, manganese ore, wood, veneer sheets, and refined petroleum. Its top export partners are China (43%), South Korea (8%), Italy (7%), India (7%), and Indonesia (5%).

Gabon economy challenges in 2024

In 2024, Gabon faces challenges post-military coup. Despite natural resources, poverty and unemployment remain high. Uncertainty hampers institutional and development reforms.

Sources

• World Bank: Gabon
• World Bank WITS: Gabon Trade
• IMF DataMapper: Gabon
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
• SIPRI Military Expenditure Database

Last updated: October 2026