Gabon presents digital sovereignty strategy at Harvard's Africa Development Conference 2026
via Gabon Review2 min read
Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy, Mark Alexandre Doumba, presented the country's presidential vision for digital sovereignty at the Africa Development Conference 2026, held at the Harvard Kennedy School. The minister highlighted digital sovereignty as a strategic lever for national power and transformation. This presentation occurred during the Spring Meetings in Washington, where Gabon's digital transformation strategy was a central topic. The conference theme was "Africa and the World: Reclaiming Control of Its Destiny in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape." Doumba emphasized making digital sovereignty a core driver of competitiveness, influence, and power, aligning with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's vision. This vision is supported by the third pillar of the National Development Plan, which focuses on structural transformation through digital technology, innovation, and modernization of public administration. Gabon aims to become an influential actor in a reconfiguring geopolitical landscape by increasing its presence in international decision-making spaces, actively participating in global norm definition, and enhancing its capacity to mobilize development financing. Internally, this strategy has led to concrete results, including simplified administrative procedures through digital public services, development of digital skills among youth, support for local entrepreneurs, and an improved economic environment to attract investments. The ministry views this H
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