The Gabon’s talent outlook: Local context and its diaspora

Gabon’s talent outlook is a complex picture of a resource-rich nation facing significant economic and social challenges. The country’s strong dependence on oil has created an economy that, despite a high per capita income, has struggled to create jobs and reduce poverty. This has led to a situation where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, and unemployment is high.

Here is a closer look at the talent outlook in Gabon and the potential of its diaspora:

The Talent Landscape in Gabon

• Economic Drivers and Skill Gaps: The Gabonese economy is heavily reliant on oil, manganese, and wood exports. While these sectors are drivers of growth, they also create specific talent demands. There is a need for skilled professionals in areas like:
  • Oil and Mining: Technical and engineering backgrounds are highly sought after.
  • Forestry and Wood Processing: Expertise in sustainable forestry and environmental management is crucial.
  • Agriculture and Food Processing: As the government attempts to diversify the economy, skills in agriculture, animal husbandry, and food processing are becoming more important.
  • Cybersecurity and Technology: The “Digital Gabon 2025” initiative is creating thousands of new jobs in the tech sector, with a particular demand for skills in network security, ethical hacking, cloud security, and AI.
• Education and Workforce: Gabon has a relatively well-developed educational system, with a significant portion of the workforce having completed secondary and tertiary education. French is the official language, which is an advantage for international business interactions. However, despite this educational foundation, there are still talent shortages in specialized roles, leading the country to rely on foreign labor.
• Government Focus: The government is actively working to diversify the economy and improve governance and the business climate. These efforts are aimed at attracting investment and creating jobs in new sectors like ecotourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.

The Gabonese Diaspora: An Untapped Resource

The Gabonese diaspora is a valuable, but currently underutilized, asset. While they are often politically active, their financial contribution to the country’s GDP has been minimal compared to other African nations. This indicates a significant opportunity for Gabon to better engage its citizens abroad.

• Potential Contributions: The diaspora can be a powerful force for development through:
  • Remittances: Although low now, increased remittances could boost the economy and support local families.
  • Knowledge and Skills Transfer: Highly skilled Gabonese professionals living abroad can bring back expertise in various fields, acting as teachers, mentors, or practitioners.
  • Investment and Entrepreneurship: Diaspora members can invest in new businesses, particularly in sectors targeted for diversification like ecotourism, agro-processing, and sustainable forestry.
• Government Initiatives: To attract the diaspora, the Gabonese government has taken some steps, such as:
  • Special Economic Zone Incentives: The Gabon Special Economic Zone (ZERP) offers preferential rates for plots and sheds to diaspora businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • Policy and Mechanisms: The government is encouraged to create regulatory bodies and a better business environment to channel the diaspora’s efforts and contributions. Lessons from countries like South Korea, India, and China highlight the importance of offering incentives and improving the judiciary for businesses.

Challenges and Outlook

Gabon faces several challenges in leveraging its talent pool and diaspora:

• Poverty and Unemployment: High unemployment and poverty rates create social and economic instability.
• Economic Vulnerability: The country’s reliance on fluctuating oil prices makes it vulnerable to global market uncertainties.
• Brain Drain: The exodus of skilled professionals due to limited opportunities at home is a concern, but it also creates a valuable diaspora talent pool that can be re-engaged.

The overall outlook for Gabon’s talent and diaspora is one of potential. By implementing strong reforms, diversifying the economy, and creating a more attractive and stable environment, the government can better utilize its local workforce and encourage its skilled diaspora to contribute their expertise, investment, and knowledge to the nation’s development.