How Gabon’s Special Economic Zone Turns Natural Resources into Growth

Developed for Sustainability Management Foundations (SUMA 4100) within Columbia University’s M.S. in Sustainability Management program, this case analysis is based on the Harvard Business School case Gabon Special Economic Zone and examines how ARISE’s ecosystem approach uses industrial policy and sustainable forestry to drive economic diversification, job creation, and long-term value creation in Gabon.

“Gabon’s Special Economic Zone illustrates how an integrated industrial ecosystem can transform natural resources into durable economic value. By building the full wood value chain domestically and aligning public and private incentives, the GSEZ model links environmental stewardship with industrial growth, employment, and export competitiveness.”

Prepared by Emporia Meng, Poornima Pandian, Michael Tersigni, Lauren Wakeman, and Wenxi Xu

September 30, 2025