🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabon government seeks to boost tax revenue collection
via Gabon Review2 min read
Gabon's government is intensifying efforts to optimize tax revenue collection. On April 15, 2026, a strategic meeting was held in Libreville, chaired by the government's Secretary-General, Abdu Razzaq Guy Kambogo. The gathering included heads of financial regulatory bodies and tax collection administrations. The primary objective was to enhance coordination among services and improve collection efficiency. Key areas of focus identified were the digitalization of procedures, increased transparency in public fund management, and broadening the tax base. Participants were tasked with collaboratively developing operational solutions tailored to Gabon's economic realities. Following the meeting, a ten-day deadline was set for submitting concrete proposals to the government. Abdu Razzaq Guy Kambogo emphasized the need for viable, coherent, and context-appropriate solutions that ensure fairness and protect both consumers and economic operators. This tight deadline reflects the authorities' desire for rapid, tangible results amid growing pressure on public finances. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve financial governance, aiming to increase internal resources while continuing to control public spending. Concerned administrations are encouraged to integrate innovative, particularly technological, solutions to modernize collection mechanisms. This approach is expected to continue through further working sessions to establish a sustainable reform of the Gabonese ta
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On May 7, 2026, Gabon's Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts, Professor Marcelle Ibinga épse Itsitsa, held diplomatic meetings with the ambassadors of Spain and South Africa to Gabon. The discussions focused on strengthening tourism cooperation, promoting ecotourism, attracting foreign investment, and improving air connectivity. These efforts are part of Gabon's strategy to establish itself as a leading sustainable tourism destination. During her meeting with Rafael Chaves Beardo, the Spanish Ambassador, Minister Itsitsa highlighted Gabon's natural and cultural assets, seeking to encourage Spanish entrepreneurs and investors in the tourism sector. Discussions also covered diversifying tourism offerings and mechanisms to facilitate foreign investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure and services. With Ncumisa Notutela-Mthabela, the South African Ambassador, talks broadened to include ecotourism, biodiversity, and national parks. Ambassador Notutela-Mthabela noted the natural resource similarities between the two countries, stating that both Gabon and South Africa possess significant national parks, biodiversity, and natural resources. Both parties expressed their intention to deepen tourism cooperation to attract more international investors and visitors, also addressing air connectivity as a crucial factor for developing tourism and economic flows. These diplomatic engagements underscore the Gabonese government's ambition to position Gabon as a key ecotourism
Gabon's government is undergoing evaluations of its first 100 days, led by Vice-President Hermann Immongault. President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has issued a warning to his team, emphasizing performance and accountability. Ministers, including those from Foreign Affairs, Health, Digital Economy, Housing, and Planning and Foresight, have presented their progress. Immongault stressed that public policies must have a concrete social impact. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported diplomatic advancements, including Gabon's return to the African Union and strengthened cooperation within regional bodies like ECCAS, CEMAC, and the Commonwealth, as well as the repatriation of citizens. The Health Minister highlighted a medical ethics forum and an audit of the Libreville University Hospital Center. The Digital Economy sector focused on departmental reorganization and preparing legislation for startups. The Minister of Housing, Mays Mouissi, announced the construction of 1,394 housing units, with 500 already underway, and the development of 4,300 plots by the National Real Estate Company at below-market prices. The Minister of Planning and Foresight, Louise Pierrette Mvono, stated that the National Growth and Development Plan is finalized and a census has covered nearly 90% of targeted homes. Government spokesperson Charles-Édouard Mombo conveyed President Nguema's warning that ministers failing to produce tangible results could be removed in an upcoming government reshuffle.
The European Union officially launched the "Impact" project in Libreville on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of Gabonese civil society organizations. Through this program, local NGOs will receive technical and financial support to play a more active role in local development, social justice, and environmental protection. The project, funded by the European Union, seeks to foster a more inclusive, structured, and active Gabonese civil society capable of participating in the development and monitoring of public policies, particularly in social justice and environmental protection. Cécile Abadie, the European Union Ambassador to Gabon, stated that this project is different from typical programs, focusing on transversal capacity building for civil society, which is often better positioned than the state to address certain needs and conduct local actions. She noted that many civil society organizations face difficulties in structuring, accessing funding, and advocacy. The Impact project intends to professionalize and empower these structures, financing more organizations and helping them identify their needs. The project will be jointly managed by two European and two Gabonese NGOs. This collaboration will combine expertise in capacity building with a deep understanding of the local civil society ecosystem. The selected organizations will mentor beneficiary associations and facilitate their access to often hard-to-mobilize funding. This sup
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