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.).
