Yes it certainly helps to speak French in Gabon because it is the official language. I speak 5 languages (French, Dutch, Italian, English, Spanish and a bit of German) so integration was very easy for me. But I alreafy mastered the language before moving here. I learnt it in school and in my polyglot family :-) To learn the language you can check with the Institut Culturel in Libreville, at the schools or embassies or the Alliance Franco-Gabonaise in Port-Gentil. Sometimes via other networks you can find private tutors. Some expat spouses also teach French.
I learn from Friends and also from school but am completely english orientated. Leaning French in Gabon is nothing. it should not be a difficult task as the country is French and there are a lot of people who also speaks English.
If you need some assistance let me know i could recon some.
15-Feb.-2017: You could manage without speaking French in upmarket places and in multinational company offices in Gabon but would need at least a basic knowledge of French to get by with tradespeople (taxi drivers, bakers, milkmen, maids, petty shopkeepers, etc.,). Hope this helps, Ms. Priscilla (Admin.).
Articles to help you in your expat project in Gabon
