U.S. private capital, almost if not entirely in the oil and natural resource sector, has been attracted to Gabon since before its independence.

[1][2][3] In February 1964 French troops helped defeat an attempt to overthrow the Gabonese government during the 1964 Gabon coup d'état and French citizens spread rumors of American involvement in the coup which led to the 1964 United States Embassy in Libreville bombings.

In September 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell made a brief but historic visit to Gabon to highlight environmental protection and conservation in the Central Africa region.

The United States imports a considerable percentage of Gabonese crude oil and manganese, and exports heavy construction equipment, aircraft, and machinery to Gabon.

Other bilateral assistance includes the funding of small grants for qualified democracy and human rights, self-help, and cultural preservation projects.