Gabon signs US$1.38B poultry investment deals ahead of 2027 import ban

GABON – Gabon’s US$1.38 billion poultry investment drive is increasingly centred on expanding domestic feed production and reducing reliance on imported agricultural inputs ahead of a planned broiler import ban in 2027.

The investments fall under Gabon’s Emergency Operational Plan for the Poultry Sector, which aims to build a fully integrated poultry value chain that covers feed manufacturing, commercial farming, hatcheries, processing facilities, logistics, and distribution.

One of the key projects involves NJS/Avi Gabon, which plans to expand its poultry farming operations in the Woleu-Ntem region and construct a feed manufacturing facility expected to produce around 24,000 metric tons of animal feed annually.

The inclusion of feed infrastructure highlights a broader reality facing many African poultry markets: expanding poultry production without strengthening local feed systems leaves producers vulnerable to volatile import costs, supply disruptions and currency pressures.

Feed supply challenges reshape poultry strategies

Feed remains the single largest cost in poultry production globally, often accounting for up to 70% of total production expenses. 

For countries heavily reliant on imported grain and soybean products, global commodity shocks can quickly destabilise domestic poultry industries.

Turkey-based Hakan Kiran Holding is expected to establish a poultry complex in Ntoum with an annual production capacity of 60,000 metric tons, while Qingdao Intelligent Poultry Investment Development Co., Ltd. plans to build another poultry production facility with an annual capacity of 45,000 metric tons.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Association of Agricultural International Exchange and Grove Metal Limited are jointly developing an agro-industrial park valued at approximately US$434 million.

The projects suggest that Gabon is pursuing industrial-scale poultry development, supported by stronger domestic feed and processing systems, rather than relying solely on imported poultry products.

The strategy mirrors broader trends emerging across developing livestock markets, where governments are increasingly prioritising local feed manufacturing, grain storage and agricultural processing capacity.

Globally, feed companies are also accelerating efforts to improve supply chain resilience and reduce dependence on conventional raw materials.

Beyond infrastructure investments, Gabon has also introduced financing programmes for poultry and agribusiness operators while launching workforce training initiatives covering feed production, farm management and disease control.

The government also signed an agreement with Algeria’s Graine International to develop poultry farms, hatcheries, and slaughter facilities, expected to produce around 72,000 metric tons of chicken meat annually by 2027.

If successful, the investments could help reduce Gabon’s reliance on poultry imports while stimulating related sectors, including grain trading, transport, veterinary services and cold storage.

Still, industry analysts caution that the strategy’s long-term success will depend heavily on how effectively Gabon develops its feed supply chain.

Without stable, affordable feed systems, poultry expansion risks exposure to the same global commodity volatility the country is now trying to escape.

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