Philippe Tonangoye, Gabon’s Minister of Universal Access to Water and Energy, will take center stage at the African Energy Week (AEW) conference in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, 2025. His participation underscores Gabon’s ambitious strategy to bolster water and energy access, with a focus on strategic investments and partnerships in infrastructure, power generation, and local businesses. As project developers, financiers, and global partners converge to discuss strategies for eradicating energy poverty, Gabon’s approach offers a compelling case study in diversified energy development.
Gabon’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with natural gas emerging as a cornerstone of its petroleum and power development strategy. The country aims to leverage its offshore gas resources to drive economic growth, with a particular focus on gas-to-power and floating power generation solutions. The long-awaited Orinko gas-to-power plant, developed by Orinko SPV—a consortium including the state-owned Gabon Power Company, Wärtsilä, Africa 50, FGIS, and Melec PowerGen—is set to commence construction soon. This project, operating under a build-own-operate-transfer IPP model, is expected to boost Gabon’s generation capacity by 50%, significantly enhancing power access across the country. With a Shareholders’ Agreement signed in May 2025, the Orinko project is poised to play a pivotal role in Gabon’s energy landscape, particularly as gas power plants operated by Perenco currently account for 70% of Libreville’s power and 100% of Port-Gentil’s electricity.
Beyond natural gas, Gabon is actively pursuing a pipeline of renewable energy developments to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030. The recent launch of Karpowership’s floating power plants in February 2025 marks a significant milestone, providing 250 MW of electricity to Libreville and other regions. These powerships, offering a flexible and scalable solution, have already supplied 25% of the country’s total electricity, demonstrating Gabon’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure. Additionally, Gabon is investing in new hydropower projects, with approximately half of its current power derived from hydro sources like the Grand Poubara and Kinguele Aval dams. However, achieving its energy goals will require substantial investment across the power market.
To further support project development, Gabon established the National Fund for Energy and Water (FNEE) in 2025. This fund aims to mobilize capital for energy and water projects, addressing power outages through short-term measures, driving key infrastructure investments, and boosting regional energy cooperation. The FNEE will also revive delayed power projects, including the 125 MW Owendo thermal power station, the Ngoulmendjim, and the L’impératrice Eugénie hydroelectric plants. These projects alone require an estimated $453 million, highlighting strategic opportunities for investors and project developers seeking impactful investments in Africa.
Gabon’s diversified approach to power generation—encompassing gas-to-power, floating facilities, hydroelectric projects, and renewables—creates a robust portfolio of power facilities. This strategy not only enhances energy access but also opens the market to a variety of investors and project developers. As Ore Onagbesan, Program Director of AEW: Invest in African Energies, notes, Gabon’s strategy is expected to unlock significant economic and development opportunities. The country’s commitment to leveraging multiple power generation solutions positions it as a leader in Africa’s energy transition.
The implications for markets are profound. Gabon’s focus on both traditional and renewable energy sources could attract a broader range of investors, from those interested in gas-to-power projects to those seeking opportunities in floating and hydroelectric solutions. The establishment of the FNEE further streamlines the investment process, providing a clear pathway for capital mobilization and project development. As Gabon continues to diversify its energy portfolio, it sets a precedent for other African nations looking to enhance energy access and drive economic growth.
At the African Energy Week conference, Philippe Tonangoye’s insights will be crucial in shaping the future of Gabon’s energy sector. His participation underscores the country’s commitment to strategic partnerships and investments, offering a blueprint for other nations aiming to achieve universal energy access. As the energy sector evolves, Gabon’s approach serves as a testament to the power of diversification and innovation in driving sustainable development.