The vision was born from a young Gabonese man who grew up navigating the rivers, lakes, and lagoons of the Ogooué Basin, witnessing the challenges faced by river communities. “Un Gabonais-enfant du village” he dreamed of transforming this natural heritage into a bridge for connection, opportunity, and national pride. From those early journeys came the conviction that the river could once again become the heartbeat of Gabon — a path toward unity, prosperity, and sustainable growth.

The name combines “Ogooué” — Gabon’s main river, symbol of life and connection — and “air”, representing innovation, speed, and the hovercraft technology that glides above water. Together, Ogoowair means “the Ogooué in motion” — a river transformed into a future highway for people and goods.

Ogoowair celebrates Gabon’s river civilization and ecological heritage, blending tradition with technology to embody a connected, sovereign, and forward-looking nation.

A revolutionary river transportation system using the Ogooué River as Gabon’s main mobility axis, linking cities, lakes, and lagoons through a sustainable passenger, tourism, and freight network.

Led by Hadniki Group Inc. under Jacob F. Nkeze, President & CEO, the initiative restores the Ogooué’s historical role and promotes logistical sovereignty and green development.

Hovercraft can navigate shallow or deep waters, sandbanks, or flooded terrain, ensuring year-round service. They are faster, quieter, and more adaptable than traditional boats — ideal for the Ogooué Basin’s dynamic conditions.

The Mandji Silicon Hub is Ogoowair’s industrial and operational core, housing Africa’s first hovercraft MRO center, the project headquarters, a mission control center, a technical academy, and a 300-room marina hotel — a symbol of Gabon’s technological sovereignty.

5 Passenger Hovercraft (200 seats each); 3 Cargo Hovercraft (22 tons each); 2 Heavy LCAV Vessels (60 tons each). All are coordinated through interconnected terminals and a central control center, ensuring reliability and continuous service.

Hadniki Group Inc. mobilizes USD 475 million in private capital through a public-private partnership model, ensuring zero impact on the national budget and full ESG and ECA compliance.

The project will create over 3,200 jobs, revitalize river tourism, improve access to services, and stimulate local commerce — positioning Gabon as a pioneer of the blue economy in Central Africa.

The system reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 70%, eliminates wake and noise pollution, and preserves aquatic habitats while meeting international ESG standards and promoting green mobility.

Ogoowair strengthens rural and riverine economies by connecting production zones to markets. It facilitates the transport of agricultural and fishing products, reduces post-harvest losses, and lowers logistics costs for farmers and cooperatives. Each terminal acts as a local development hub, creating jobs, training youth, and expanding access to services. By unlocking the potential of farming, fishing, and agro-industrial value chains, Ogoowair transforms Gabon’s inland regions into engines of inclusive growth and food security.

Powered by Rolls-Royce MTU engines, hovercraft reach 80 – 100 km/h, cutting travel times by over 60%. Operations run 365 days a year, independent of weather or water levels.

Yes — its fair and predictable pricing model ensures affordability for citizens, tourists, and businesses while maintaining economic viability and social equity.

Safety is paramount: Ogoowair complies with international maritime standards, supported by preventive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and locally trained crews. Passenger and cargo security are continuously supervised by the central control center.

Ogoowair is in its implementation planning phase, with Hadniki Group Inc. engaged in formal discussions with the Government of Gabon to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will officially trigger the operational rollout. Meanwhile, technical and institutional platforms are being prepared. The first hovercraft are expected to be in operation by Q4 2027, launching services along the Ogooué River corridor — linking Port-Gentil, Lambaréné, and key inland hubs — before expanding to the national network of lakes and lagoons.