28 May 2008 - Gide Loyrette Nouel, legal counsel to the Republic of Gabon for the creation of the port complex of Mayumba:

The Republic of Gabon, in its effort to dynamise the local economy in southern Gabon, is contemplating the creation of a new economic activities zone around Mayumba (commerce, processing, storage of timber, minerals and hydrocarbons). In consequence, the Republic of Gabon wishes to award a concession for the construction and operation of a new deep sea harbor, adjoining a potential special investment zone, or free zone, which would enjoy a privileged tax and customs regime. This new industrial port complex will include specialised terminals, and boarding perimeters yet to be established as per the characteristics contained in the bids that private investors will submit. 
 
This harbor will be a tool to the creation of a new route into Central Africa, and will compete with the neighboring harbors of Douala/Bonaberi in Cameroon and Pointe Noire in Congo. The harbor will be constructed and operated by a private investor yet to be selected through a public tendering process, together with the joint efforts of the Islamic Development Bank.  

The Infrastructures Programmes Coordination Unit of Gabon retained Gide Loyrette Nouel (partner François Krotoff, Leïla Hubeaut and Véronique Bourg) to advise the Republic of Gabon for the strategic conception and setting up of the entire project, including its financing. François Krotoff heads a very dynamic team on the African continent, not only in port and airport project financing, but also in mining, oil and gas projects.