During the visit, Gabon also signed a memorandum of understanding with mining company Eramet on the local transformation of manganese. The agreement sets a production target by the end of 2031, although some authorities had earlier hoped for completion by 2029. The deal is intended to support Gabon’s ambition to process more of its mineral resources domestically, but critics have described the outcome of the visit as limited, arguing that more concrete commitments were needed. The Government is also preparing a full audit of its debt as it seeks a new programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Gabon’s debt currently stands at more than 70 per cent of GDP, while authorities have announced plans for possible new borrowing of up to $1.5 billion.