Gabon is looking to Nigerian visitors. The country made its first appearance at the 2026 Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos. Grace Ntahinta Mboumba, Managing Director of Beyond Afrika Travel, led the push. She promoted Gabon’s biodiversity, culture and hospitality. She called for stronger intra-African travel and business partnerships.
Gabon is often described as “Africa’s Last Eden.” It has vast rainforests, wildlife and coastline. But it remains unfamiliar to many African travellers. The country has received an average of 180,000 to 200,000 visitors annually over the past five years. Most come for business. Tourism is underdeveloped. Air connectivity is limited. In August 2026, Air Peace launched direct flights from Nigeria to Libreville. That changed the calculus. Gabon now sees Nigeria’s outbound market as a growth opportunity.
Mboumba said Gabon offers beach holidays and leisure travel for Nigerian travellers. She said increased visitor numbers could create economic benefits for local lodges, communities and the wider economy. “First of all, because it’s Africa. We need to start visiting Africa, travelling within Africa,” she said. She also addressed perception. Before visiting Nigeria, her view had been shaped by media narratives. Once she arrived, her understanding changed. “You need to come and explore. It will open your mind,” she said. She said the same principle should apply to Gabon.
The push comes as the continent’s trade infrastructure is being overhauled. Gabon wants a share of the growing intra-African travel market. Air Peace’s direct flight makes that easier. Tourism is a low-hanging fruit. It generates foreign exchange. It creates jobs. It strengthens people-to-people ties. Gabon’s “Last Eden” branding is appealing. But tourism infrastructure is thin. Hotels are few. Tour operators are limited. The country must invest if it wants to scale.
Winners: Gabon’s tourism sector, which gains visibility. Nigerian tour operators, who gain a new destination. Air Peace, which gains passengers. Regional travellers, who gain a new option. Losers: Competing destinations, which face new competition. Tourists expecting established infrastructure, who may be disappointed. No serious losers if the market develops.
Bottom Line: Gabon came to Lagos. It wants Nigerian tourists. The flights are direct. The rainforests are real. The infrastructure is not. Gabon must build it. Nigeria’s travellers are willing.