Gabon's new census reveals significant population concentration in Libreville and Estuaire province

A significant finding is the demographic concentration in the Estuaire province, which now accounts for 2,184,908 residents, or 62.1% of the national population. This marks a substantial increase from 2013, when Estuaire province had 895,619 inhabitants, representing 49.5% of the total. Dr. Emmanuel Thierry Koumba, an academic in Information and Communication Sciences, highlights that this concentration is even more pronounced in Greater Libreville, encompassing Libreville, Owendo, and Akanda.

These areas serve as the country's primary demographic, economic, administrative, university, health, and commercial hubs, attracting people seeking training, employment, and opportunities. The article suggests that Gabon is experiencing accelerated demographic concentration and metropolisation rather than a general depopulation, as other provinces have also seen population growth since 2013, though their relative weight has decreased. This trend raises questions about territorial balance and the need for public policies that extend beyond administrative decentralization to include the relocation of opportunities such as universities, hospitals, industries, and skilled jobs to create multiple territorial poles of attraction.

The author also emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of this concentration, distinguishing between natura