Burkina Faso’s richest man, Mahamadou Bonkoungou, has been assigned by Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to supply helicopters from Pakistan, because the Central African nation seeks to strengthen its aerial surveillance.
Nguema, a navy officer who grew to become Gabon’s fourth president in Could 2025, after having beforehand served on this position in a transitional capability from 2023, has emphasised modernizing the nation’s monitoring capabilities amid regional safety considerations.
Gabon faucets Bonkoungou for helicopters
Bonkoungou, recognized for his enterprise empire EBOMAF Group, will oversee the acquisition of Russian-made Mil Mi-35M helicopters presently stationed in Pakistan. The transfer has raised questions inside Gabon’s navy excessive command, highlighting the bizarre step of involving a civilian businessman in a delicate protection acquisition.
This isn’t Gabon’s first procurement of aerial gear. In June 2024, whereas serving in a transitional navy position, Nguema acquired two AW139 multi-purpose helicopters. The plane have been supposed to observe the nation’s rainforest and help in nationwide safety operations.
Bonkoungou expands Gabon infrastructure initiatives
Past his current involvement in navy procurement, Mahamadou Bonkoungou’s EBOMAF Group performs a central position in Gabon’s infrastructure enlargement. The corporate is main one of many nation’s largest initiatives: a 244-kilometer road linking Yombi, Mandji, and Omboué. Scheduled for completion inside 48 months, the freeway goals to attach the provinces of Ngounié and Ogooué-Maritime, boosting commerce and mobility.
EBOMAF can also be spearheading the development of Libreville 2, a brand new metropolis designed to advertise sustainable progress and trendy city residing. Overlaying 13,000 hectares simply 20 kilometers from the capital, the town will embrace an “agropole,” a hub for agricultural processing, commerce, and export. Gabonese authorities view the mission as a key financial engine, connecting farmers and markets whereas producing employment within the agrifood sector.
West Africa’s Enterprise Affect: Bonkoungou
At 59, Bonkoungou has grown into considered one of West Africa’s most influential enterprise leaders. EBOMAF’s mission portfolio surpasses $3 billion, however his ventures span building, transport, and finance. He owns Liza Transport, a luxurious jet constitution firm; IB Holding, a monetary companies group; and Bonkoungou Distribution, a equipment and gear provider.
Extra lately he acquired the Togolese Financial institution for Commerce and Business (BTCI), increasing his affect throughout the area. His quickly rising business and infrastructural empires replicate a realistic strategy to investing in initiatives that provide long-term financial worth whereas shaping West Africa’s enterprise and industrial setting.
