🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Canadian Bank Note Company proposes tax product traceability technology to Gabon
via Gabon Review2 min read
On June 11, 2026, in Libreville, representatives from Canadian Bank Note Company CBNC met with Gabon's Vice President of the Government, Hermann Immongault, to present a solution for highly secure excise stamps. This technology aims to combat counterfeiting, tax fraud, and revenue losses by improving the traceability of products subject to excise duties, thereby increasing state resources. Fuencisla Santiago, Vice President for Development and International Affairs at CBNC, stated that research based on World Health Organization data suggests this program could significantly benefit Gabon, particularly by increasing revenue for the population. The proposed system focuses on products highly susceptible to fraud, such as tobacco, alcoholic beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and certain sugary drinks. CBNC emphasized that these products require a higher level of control. The additional revenue generated could be reinvested into priority sectors like public health. This initiative aligns with Gabon's efforts to modernize economic and fiscal control mechanisms, addressing the growing scale of fraud and counterfeiting to secure distribution channels and state revenues.
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From June 19 to 21, 2026, Kay Anne Gallery in Libreville will host a high fashion event showcasing the collection of Pathé'O, a renowned continental designer. The event will also feature Gabonese creations from Chouchou Lazare, Yéyé Créations, and Ndossi Village. This timing aligns with a recent decree adopted on April 30, requiring Gabonese public servants to wear African attire every Friday, creating a demand for new wardrobe options. Pathé'O, who famously dressed Nelson Mandela in 1994, has become an icon in African fashion, collaborating with brands like Dior and dressing leaders such as King Mohammed VI and Paul Kagame, as well as billionaire Aliko Dangote. His career spans half a century, evolving from a tailor in Treichville to a designer for African heads of state. Pathé'O advocates for African designers to dress their own leaders and for the continent's fashion to be recognized as a significant economic sector. The event highlights "Made in Gabon" creations, supported by the decree, and reinforces Kayanne Gallery's role as a pan-African hub since its inauguration in September 2022 by Wilma Sickout Assélé. The gallery will be open from 10 am to 8 pm, with refreshments and relaxation offered all day on Sunday. Reservations can be made at 066 84 05 97 or 074 72 43 40.
June 16, African Child Day, serves as a time for remembrance, reflection, and mobilization for children's rights. Gabon's Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, in charge of Human Rights, Augustin Emane, in a message read by the Secretary General of the Chancellery, Jacques Lebama, highlighted the historical significance of this day. It commemorates the children of Soweto, South Africa, who on June 16, 1976, peacefully protested for quality education and dignity, facing a violent repression that resulted in many deaths. Instituted in 1991 by the Organization of African Unity OAU, now the African Union AU, this day honors these child victims and calls for renewed commitment to child protection across the continent. Minister Emane stressed that June 16 is not merely a date but "a rendezvous with our collective conscience," placing the commemoration under the sign of collective responsibility. This year's theme, "Access to water and sanitation for all children," underscores a critical issue for the development and well-being of younger generations. The Minister emphasized that potable water and sanitation are not just comforts but "fundamental, constitutional, and inalienable human rights," directly impacting children's health, education, protection, and development. He also warned about the persistent difficulties many African children face due to lack of access to these essential services. In Gabon, this day highlights public efforts to improve living conditions, especially
Must ReadGabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema delivered his first state of the nation address to a joint session of Parliament in Libreville on June 15, marking an institutional milestone for the Fifth Republic. The President presented the address as an act of democratic responsibility and accountability, stating his commitment to the republican obligation of the speech. He outlined a review of public actions and set future directions, emphasizing governance, transparency, and public service effectiveness. President Oligui Nguema highlighted the country's ongoing refoundation since August 30, 2023, acknowledging inherited difficulties such as fragile institutions, a disorganized economy, and struggling public services. He affirmed his dedication to restoring trust between the state and citizens, stating his mandate would be one of action rather than false promises. The President also discussed institutional reforms initiated during the transition, including the adoption of a new Constitution, electoral framework reform, and strengthening Parliament's role. He urged parliamentarians to fulfill their responsibilities, exercise their oversight prerogatives, and adhere to the spirit of the Inclusive National Dialogue. A significant portion of his speech focused on economic and social challenges, advocating for local transformation of national wealth, economic diversification, and public administration modernization. He addressed debt management, regularization of administrative