Gabon has unveiled an ambitious financing programme designed to transform its poultry industry and significantly reduce reliance on imported chicken meat. Through the Bank for Commerce and Entrepreneurship of Gabon (BCEG), the government has introduced a targeted loan scheme intended to empower local poultry producers, expand domestic capacity, and strengthen national food security. This initiative forms part of a broader agricultural reform agenda that seeks to position farming as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainable development.
As part of the programme’s rollout, BCEG approved substantial financing for a locally owned agribusiness, BTF Farming, which operates an integrated production model combining poultry, aquaculture, and crop farming. The funding is expected to support farm expansion, modern equipment acquisition, and improved production systems. By backing enterprises with proven capacity, the government aims to demonstrate the viability of large-scale local poultry production while encouraging other farmers to scale up their operations.
The poultry loan scheme goes beyond a single beneficiary. Under the initiative, qualified poultry farmers across Gabon can access individual loans ranging from hundreds of millions of CFA francs at favorable interest rates and short repayment periods. This approach is intended to address one of the most persistent challenges facing the sector: limited access to affordable financing. For years, local producers have struggled to compete with imported chicken due to high production costs, outdated infrastructure, and restricted capital for expansion. The new financing model seeks to level the playing field by enabling farmers to invest in modern housing, improved breeds, better feed systems, and efficient processing facilities.
The government has made it clear that the ultimate objective of this investment drive is to eliminate chicken imports by 2027. Achieving this goal would significantly reduce foreign exchange spending while stimulating domestic value chains. Increased local production is expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people and rural communities, while also boosting incomes for farmers, suppliers, and transporters involved in the poultry ecosystem.
However, experts caution that financial support alone will not guarantee success. To meet national demand, Gabon’s poultry industry must also overcome structural constraints such as high feed costs, unreliable energy supply, limited cold storage facilities, and logistical inefficiencies. Addressing these bottlenecks will require coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including investments in feed production, energy infrastructure, veterinary services, and market access. Without these complementary measures, producers may find it difficult to achieve the scale and consistency required to replace imports fully.
Despite these challenges, the outlook for Gabon’s poultry sector is increasingly optimistic. The government’s commitment signals renewed confidence in agriculture as a driver of economic growth and resilience. By prioritizing local production and supporting farmers with accessible credit, Gabon is laying the groundwork for a more self-sufficient food system that can withstand external shocks and rising global prices.
If effectively implemented and supported by broader reforms, the poultry financing scheme could mark a turning point for the country’s agricultural landscape. It has the potential to transform poultry farming from a largely import-dependent market into a competitive domestic industry capable of meeting local demand. As the 2027 target approaches, the success of this initiative will likely serve as a benchmark for future agricultural investments and a model for strengthening food security across the region.
