The World Bank has approved $150 million in financing for the Gabon Infrastructure Development and Urban Planning Project (PADIG).
The goal of the project is to improve access to climate-resilient urban infrastructure and public facilities, and to reduce flood risks in certain secondary cities.
The project takes a multisectoral approach by investing in transport connectivity, urban infrastructure, and public amenities to enhance quality of life and climate resilience in Gabon's secondary cities. It also aims to strengthen national and local institutions by building their capacity in resilient urban planning and management. These efforts align with Gabon's 2024–2026 National Development Plan by advancing strategic infrastructure and climate change resilience while promoting job creation and local development.
“Gabon has one of the highest urbanization rates in Africa, with over 90% of the population living in cities. However, rapid urbanization has yet to translate into economic transformation, particularly in secondary cities,” said Cheick F. Kante, Country Director for Gabon. He added, “Gabon’s secondary cities lag behind in access to urban infrastructure, a key component for advancing the country’s territorial development agenda. This project will help bridge those gaps, unlocking the socio-economic potential of these cities so they can become intermediate hubs and create economic opportunities for Gabon’s urban population.”
The project is part of the World Bank’s longstanding support for Gabon’s urban sector and follows an integrated approach.
The first component focuses on investing in climate-resilient urban infrastructure and facilities—such as roads, schools, and green spaces—in cities like Oyem, Lambaréné, Koulamoutou, Franceville, Mouila, Lebamba, and Ndendé. This also includes technical support for sustainable urban development.
The second component involves investing in flood risk reduction infrastructure to protect urban assets and populations from the impacts of flooding.
The project’s preparation benefited from technical assistance provided by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA).
