Gabon's economy is driven by its natural and mineral resources - it is the 9th largest oil producer on the African continent, the 2nd largest timber producer in sub-Saharan Africa and the world's leading producer of manganese. Since 2015, the country has initiated a policy of economic diversification driven in particular by a desire to develop the agri-food sector and by the investments of international players.

Good to know :

Languages Spoken : French
Local Currency : CFA franc
Capital : Libreville

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in Gabon

Do you already meet the International Young Talent Program criteria ?

Then, consult the table here!

- If your situation only meets ☼, you can try your luck for a V.I.E in Gabon. Your application will be studied.

- If your situation meets at least 1 X, 😬 Gabon cannot accommodate you in V.I.E. Don't be disappointed, continue your research! Other exciting destinations will seduce you!

Do you have any doubts about your eligibility ? Feel free to contact us

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in Gabon

To go to Gabon as a V.I.A, you must fulfil the access conditions to the V.I.A.
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit.

Cultural work codes in Gabon

In Gabon, virtually everybody knows each other, so in order to fit into this microcosm, be open-minded, humble and deeply respectful, especially for elders. You won't escape the "kongossa" or rumours, a source of information that may or may not be reliable but which is essential in the country. Economics, politics, family, people... Nothing escapes it ! 

For the Gabonese, "clothes make the man"! It is essential to adopt the correct dress code, especially when dealing with administrations - suit with jacket and tie for men, suit for women, shoulders covered and closed-toe shoes. For companies, there is often more flexibility, particularly depending on the sector of activity. But as a precaution, you're advised to dress to the nines.

Finally, bear in mind that in Gabon, many problems or situations can be resolved with a smile, patience and unfailing politeness !

Things that may surprise you in Gabon

- When you arrive, you may be struck by the traffic jams that can be very dense in certain areas of Libreville and the sporty driving habits of the Gabonese people, particularly during the rainy season.

- The police may arrest you for a routine check, but also for more outlandish reasons... If you are asked for a “coke”, understand that it refers to a bribe. Rather than handing over any money, try to extricate yourself with humour, politeness and good grace.  For example, by saying: "next time, I'll have something for you Officer, but today it's complicated." Remember, there's no point in getting angry !

- Outside the cities, you will undoubtedly feel the call of nature - you can undertake a trip far from the beaten track among forests, oceans, rivers, fauna and exceptional sites! As tourism is not highly developed in Gabon, all this abundance has been preserved. If the lack of infrastructure promises epic adventures, the spectacle offered by nature is truly worth the effort !

- The cost of living is also a surprising factor in Gabon, as it is very high! People quickly get used to eating products imported from the sub-region, particularly Cameroon, which are sold by Cameroonian, Togolese and Congolese mothers in neighbourhood stalls that show great cultural diversity.

- The many bars, "maquis", "cnamgs" (improvised informal bars in front of houses) and "snacks" (small neighbourhood discotheque), sit alongside churches and liven up towns, day and night.

- Mobile money is widely used to pay prepayment bills - this applies to electricity, telephone and Internet invoices, at the neighbourhood shopkeeper's, and even for supermarket purchases.