The Kinguélé Aval Hydropower Project involves the construction of a power plant on the Mbé River in northwestern Gabon, approximately 90 kilometers east of Libreville. The project is partially financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through a USD 40.2 million loan. The investment was approved in July 2022, and all construction is expected to be completed by June 2026. The Borrower is Asonha Energie, a Gabonese-French public-private partnership, and the contracting company is Sinohydro, a Chinese firm specializing in hydropower construction.

According to IFC documents, the Kinguélé Aval Project is classified as Category A, indicating the highest level of environmental and social risk. Identified risks include gender-based violence (GBV) in project-affected communities linked to livelihood disruption, an anticipated influx of approximately 400-700 workers, increased truck traffic, and the presence of security personnel in remote communities with limited access to basic services. Andock Foula is identified as the community most affected by labor influx, followed by Alen Komo and Kango.  

To address these risks, the project includes the following measures:

• A project-specific GBV risk assessment, alongside the implementation and monitoring of mitigation measures.
• An external grievance mechanism for local communities, including a community monitoring committee.
• A Community Development Plan focused on: (i) providing electricity to the village of Andock Foula; (ii) establishing a local development fund for community projects (health, education, culture); and (iii) compensation measures for affected livelihoods and community practices.
• A worker code of conduct prohibiting GBV and any sexual activity involving children, accompanied by training on sexual harassment and GBV. 
• A Labor Recruitment Procedure prioritizing employment from local villages. 
• A temporary clinic for the local community, as well as condom distribution and access to HIV testing. 

Samba Mwanas, a child rights organization in Gabon, and the Bank Information Center (BIC) partnered to monitor how the Kinguélé Aval Hydropower Project addresses child sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEA/H) risks; assess existing prevention and response measures; and develop recommendations to strengthen these efforts.