With economic growth estimated at 3.7% in 2026, Gabon is expected to emerge as the most dynamic economy within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
CEMAC includes Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, and Chad. The promising outlook now opening up for Gabon stems from the latest macroeconomic projections published by the World Bank.
First, a reminder: in 2024, CEMAC countries faced a deterioration in their fiscal situation, marked by a decline in revenues linked to commodities, an increase in public spending, and an average budget deficit estimated at 1.3% of GDP.
Despite these pressures, particularly exacerbated by the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war, Central African economies are showing signs of gradual recovery, supported by improving macroeconomic prospects.
To consolidate this momentum, the World Bank recommends that countries in the region strengthen governance and public financial management. The institution highlights the importance of improving transparency, public procurement, investment management, and oversight of state-owned enterprises.
It also calls for increased investment in human capital and productive infrastructure. Priority areas include education, vocational training, healthcare, social protection, as well as strategic sectors such as energy, transport, and digital technologies.
Rich in natural resources, Gabon is encouraged to improve transparency in extractive industries and to develop greater local value addition in sectors such as forestry, agriculture, and fisheries. The World Bank also emphasizes the importance of mobilizing more climate financing and advocating for fair compensation for the environmental services provided by the forests of the Congo Basin.
Committed to environmental protection, the country is urged to promote a sustainable growth model based on the valorization of its natural capital. This could involve developing ecotourism, agroforestry, improving agricultural productivity, and establishing research centers dedicated to medicinal plants and forest resources.
At the same time, in order to reduce its dependence on oil, Gabon is focusing on the development of the mining sector. The recent launch of operations at the Belinga iron ore deposit, along with the planned development of a new mining site expected in 2026, should support this diversification.
Moreover, the revival of several infrastructure projects and the growth of the services sector are also expected to support economic activity and enable the country to maintain growth estimated at 3.7%.
Pending the update of macroeconomic forecasts, scheduled for publication by April 13, Gabonese authorities intend to continue their reforms to consolidate economic performance and maintain their leading position within CEMAC.