Gabon concludes nearly two decades of fishing partnership with the european union

Gabon has officially terminated its Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with the European Union (EU). This long-standing accord reached its formal conclusion on June 28, 2026, and was not extended.

Initially established in 2007, the agreement saw multiple renewals, with its most recent extension occurring in 2021. Over a five-year period, this partnership generated approximately 17 billion CFA francs for the Gabonese national treasury.

The decision to discontinue the agreement with the EU was first deliberated during the Council of Ministers in June 2025, championed by transitional president Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. This move signifies a substantial shift, concluding 19 years of collaborative fisheries management with the European bloc.

From Libreville’s perspective, the financial returns from the agreement were deemed insufficient when weighed against the significant volume of fish caught within Gabonese territorial waters. The Gabonese authorities have consistently voiced concerns over the modest revenue streams derived from the partnership.

Moving forward, the Gabonese government is committed to prioritizing the domestic processing of tuna. This strategic focus aims to stimulate local job creation, attract industrial investments, and enhance the overall added value within the national economy.