Gabon is preparing to host a delegation from the International Monetary Fund as the government steps up efforts to design and implement a broad economic reform program. The visit, expected to take place next month in the capital, comes amid growing concern over public finances and long-term economic sustainability.
While no formal request for IMF financial assistance has been submitted, authorities say engagement with the institution has increased significantly in recent weeks.
Focus on Fiscal Health and Policy Direction
According to officials, the upcoming IMF mission will focus on evaluating Gabon’s macroeconomic performance and fiscal position. Discussions are expected to cover budget management, debt trends, and policy options aimed at strengthening economic stability.
Government representatives have described the talks as technical in nature, emphasizing that the objective is to benefit from expertise and institutional guidance rather than immediate lending support.
Rising Debt and Structural Pressures
Gabon’s public debt has climbed steadily in recent years and is now estimated at around 80 percent of gross domestic product. Economists warn that the true level of indebtedness could be higher, adding pressure on public finances.
The situation has been compounded by long-standing external imbalances. As an oil-producing nation, Gabon has struggled to recover from the sharp decline in crude prices that began more than a decade ago, which weakened export earnings and widened the current account deficit.
Diversification and Regional Financing Strategy
To manage budget shortfalls, the government has increasingly relied on regional debt markets rather than international lenders. At the same time, it has launched an ambitious economic diversification strategy aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenues.
The planned engagement with the IMF is seen as part of this broader effort to modernize economic management, strengthen institutions, and lay the groundwork for more resilient growth in the years ahead.
