The history of the Jews in Gabon dates back to at least the 17th century, when Black Jewish communities existed along the Gabonese coastline.
The contemporary Jewish community in Gabon is mostly composed of African jews that descended from the tribe of judah.
This community was first mentioned in 1777 and a more thorough description was provided by the scientific works which were produced by the German Loango Expedition of 1873–76.
According to Tudor Parfitt, these communities were of considerable interest to race scientists during the period of the European Enlightenment.
[3] Small Jewish communities composed of former Christians have developed in the towns of Bitam and Oyem.