WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  ANNEX 3 : GABON  
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  CONTENTS  
1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ .......................  220 
1.1  Main features of the economy  ................................ ................................ ...................  220 
1.2  Recent economic developments  ................................ ................................ .................  222 
1.3  Developments in trade and investment  ................................ ................................ ....... 225 
1.3.1  Trends and pat terns in merchandise and services trade  ................................ ..............  225 
1.3.2  Trends and patterns in foreign direct investme nt (FDI)  ................................ ...............  228 
2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  ................................ ................................ .........  229 
2.1  General framework  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 229 
2.2  Trade policy formulation and objectives  ................................ ................................ ...... 229 
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ .........  232 
2.3.1  WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  232 
2.3.2  Other trade arrangements  ................................ ................................ ......................  232 
2.4  Investment regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 233 
2.4.1  Institutional framework for investment in Gabon  ................................ .......................  233 
2.4.2  Special Economic Zone  ................................ ................................ ..........................  234 
3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ .......................  236 
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ............  236 
3.1.1  Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  ................................ .....................  236 
3.1.2  Customs levies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 238 
3.1.2.1   Applied MFN tariff  ................................ ................................ ..............................  238 
3.1.2.2   Other import duties and taxes  ................................ ................................ ..............  239 
3.1.2.3   Internal taxes  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 239 
3.1.3  Bindings  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  241 
3.1.4  Preferences  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  243 
3.1.5  Duty and tax exemptions and concessions  ................................ ................................  243 
3.1.6  Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  ................................ ..........................  244 
3.1.7  Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  ................................ ..............  245 
3.1.8  Other measures affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ...........  245 
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  ................................ ................................ ............  245 
3.2.1  Customs procedures and requirements  ................................ ................................ .... 245 
3.2.2  Export duties and taxes  ................................ ................................ .........................  245 
3.2.3  Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  ................................ ...........................  245 
3.2.4  Export support and promotion  ................................ ................................ ................  246 
3.2.5  Export finance, insurance, and guarantees  ................................ ...............................  247 
3.3  Measures a ffecting production and trade  ................................ ................................ ..... 247 
3.3.1  Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  247 
3.3.2  Standardization, accreditation, and certification ................................ .........................  248 
3.3.3  Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  ................................ ................................ . 250 
3.3.4  Competition policy and price controls  ................................ ................................ ....... 252 WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  3.3.5  State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  ................................ ...........  253 
3.3.6  Government procurement  ................................ ................................ ......................  255 
3.3.7  Intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ .....................  257 
4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  ................................ ................................ ....................  258 
4.1  Agriculture and related activities  ................................ ................................ ................  258 
4.1.1  Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  258 
4.1.2  Agricultural policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 259 
4.1.3  Policy by subsector  ................................ ................................ ...............................  264 
4.1.3.1   Coffee and cocoa  ................................ ................................ ...............................  264 
4.1.3.2   Market garden produce  ................................ ................................ .......................  265 
4.1.3.3   Other products  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 267 
4.1.4  Fishing and aquaculture  ................................ ................................ .........................  268 
4.1.5  Forestry  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  270 
4.2  Mining, energy and water  ................................ ................................ .........................  271 
4.2.1  Mining products  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 271 
4.2.2  Petroleum products and natural gas  ................................ ................................ ........  273 
4.3  Electricity and water  ................................ ................................ ................................  275 
4.4  Manufacturing  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  277 
4.5  Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  278 
4.5.1  Telecommunications services  ................................ ................................ ..................  278 
4.5.2  Postal and express services  ................................ ................................ ....................  280 
4.5.3  Transport services  ................................ ................................ ................................  281 
4.5.3.1   Land transport services  ................................ ................................ .......................  281 
4.5.3.1.1   Road transport services  ................................ ................................ ....................  281 
4.5.3.1.2   Rail transport services  ................................ ................................ ......................  281 
4.5.3.2   Maritime transport and port services  ................................ ................................ ..... 281 
4.5.3. 3  Air tran sport services ................................ ................................ ..........................  282 
4.5.4  Tourism services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 284 
4.5.5  Banking and microfinance services  ................................ ................................ ..........  285 
4.5.6  Insurance services  ................................ ................................ ................................  286 
5  APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 288 
CHART S 
Chart 1.1 Structure of trade in goods, 2012 and 2021  ................................ .........................  226 
Chart 1.2 Direction of trade in goods, 2012 and 2021  ................................ .........................  227 
Chart 2.1 Institutional framework for investment in Gabon, 2022  ................................ ..........  233 
 
TABLE S 
Table 1.1 Basic economic indicators, 2012 -22 ................................ ................................ .... 220 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2012 -22 ................................ ................................ ...........  224 
Table 2.1 Gabon's principal trade -related laws and regulations, 2023  ................................ .... 230 WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  Table 2.2 Investment incentives, 2022  ................................ ................................ ..............  235 
Table 3.1 VAT exemptions and reduced rates in Gabon, 2022  ................................ ...............  240 
Table 3.2 Differences in internal taxation of imported and local products, 2022  .......................  240 
Table 3.3 Excise duties, 2021  ................................ ................................ ..........................  241 
Table 3.4 Certification of modifications and rectifications (WT/Let/1261)  ................................  242 
Table 3.5 Dut ies applied by Gabon exceeding bound rates, 2019  ................................ ..........  243 
Table 3.6 List of enterprises privatized/un dergoing privatization since 2013  ............................  254 
Table 4.1 Main crops by sown area, 2012 -21 ................................ ................................ ..... 259 
Table 4.2 Production, sales and exports of cocoa and coffee, 2012 -22 ................................ ... 264 
Table 4.3 Main market garden produce in Gabon by production volume, 2012 -21 ....................  266 
Table 4.4 Exports and imports of petroleum products, 2015 -21 ................................ ............  273 
Table 4.5 Key telecommunications indicators, June  2021 ................................ .....................  278 
Table 4.6 Average prices of different telecommunications services, 2021  ...............................  279 
Table 4.7 Port activity in Gabon, 2016 -18 ................................ ................................ ..........  282 
Table 4.8 Air transport agreements, 2023  ................................ ................................ .........  283 
Table 4.9 Key indicators for the Gabonese banking sector, 2021  ................................ ...........  285 
Table 4.14 Financial soundness indicators for the banking system, 2015 -21 ...........................  285 
Table 4.11 Activity volumes, market shares and nationalities of the principal shareholders of 
insurance companies operating in Gabon, 2018  ................................ ................................ .. 286 
Table 4.12 Recent developments in the insurance sector in Gabon and its main actors, 
2018-21 ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  287 
Table 4.13 Premiums collected and return on equity ratio in the insurance sector, 2012 -21 ...... 287 
 
APPENDI X – TABLE S 
Table A1.1 Structure of exports, 2012 -21 ................................ .. Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Table A1.2 Destination of exports, 2012 -21 ...............................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Table A1.3 Structure of imports 2012 -21 ................................ ... Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Table A1.4 Origin of imports, 2012 -21 ................................ ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Table A3.1 State holdings in the capital of companies, 2023  ................................ .................  292 
 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Main features  of the economy  
1.1.  With a land area of 267,667 km2, 85% covered by forest, and a population of approximately 
2.5 million  in 2022, Gabon is a sparsely populated country . The share of its population situated in 
urban areas, on the other hand, is the highest in Africa . More than four out of every five  Gabonese 
nationals  live in cities . Libreville and Port-Gentil, which are the country 's political and economic 
capitals, respec tively, account together for 59 % of its total population .1 Gabon has 800 km of 
coastline (on the Atlantic coast)  and borders Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and the Republic of the 
Congo . Gabon and its neighbours  are members of the Central African Economic and Monetary 
Community  (CEMAC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS ) (Section  2.3). 
1.2.  Gabon  has significant  natural resources, including large stretches of agricultural land , plentiful 
water  resources and rainfall favo urable to farming and an abundance of forest resources . The 
fifth largest oil producer in Africa, Gabon remains highly dependent on its petroleum resources . 
During the period 2012 -21, petroleum accounted for an average of 23 % of its GDP and 
approximately 80 % of its export earnings . Since 2012, however, the country 's non-oil sector has  
expanded considerably . Apart from locally refined oil,  Gabon 's current diversification initiatives 
consist largely of the sustainable developmen t of its  timber and mining industries . In addition, the 
development of special economic zones starting in 2012 has benefited the private sector, attracting 
increased private and foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in the non -oil sector . 
1.3.  In 2021, following the health crisis and resulting recession of 2020, the Gabonese economy, 
traditionally dominated by the extractive industries, resumed the growth previously sustained since 
2017. GDP rose by 1.5 % in 2021 , compared to -1.8% the year before . The non-oil sector has  shown 
resilience and continued to contribute to the creation of national wealth, growing by 2.5% in 2021 . 
With the various oil shocks recorded since 2012, the petroleum sector 's share of GDP has declined 
from 36.6 % in 2012 to  21.3% in 2021 . Over the same period, the shares of agriculture, services 
and manufacturing have steadily risen , from 2.6%, 20.3% and 5.4% in 2012 to 4.4%, 28.2% and 
8%, respectively,  in 2021 (Table  1.1). 
Table 1.1 Basic economic indicators , 2012 -22 
 
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a 
Miscellaneousb        
    
GDP at current market prices  
(CFAF billion )  8,766.5 8,690.5 8,988.3 8,503.5 8,310.6 8,669.0 9,368.9 9,886.9 8,814.9 11,210.9 13,674.3 
Non-oil GDP (CFAF billion ) 5,819.7 6,163.7 6,630.6 6,566.2 6,744.5 6,960.4 7,389.9 7,724.6 7,451.3 8,927.6 10,034.6 
GDP at current market prices  
(USD billion )  17.2 17.6 18.2 14.4 14.0 14.9 16.9 16.9 15.3 20.2 22.5 
Real GDP growth rate  at constan t 
2001 prices (%) 5.3 5.6 4.3 3.9 2.1 0.5 0.8 3.9 -1.8 1.5 2.9 
 of which  oil sector  -4.2 -5.3 -0.3 8.6 -3.7 -8.5 -8.2 13.0 -1.2 -6.7 5.9 
 non-oil sector  7.0 7.5 5.0 3.2 3.0 1.7 2.0 2.9 -1.9 2.5 2.5 
GDP per capita (USD) 9,818.3 9,775.6 10,051.4 7,460.1 7,025.1 7,225.4 7,893.5 7,625.5 6,686.7 8,529.0 9,176.7 
Inflation ( annual average ) 2.7 0.5 4.7 -0.3 2.1 2.7 4.8 2.0 1.4 1.1 4.3 
National accounts at current prices (% of GDP )b 
Consumption  43.5 46.7 49.3 52.7 55.1 53.2 49.2 48.7 55.2 44.3 37.7 
Public   14.0 14.5 14.8 14.8 14.6 13.2 10.6 11.0 13.2 11.4 9.8 
Private  29.4 32.3 34.5 37.8 40.4 40.0 38.6 37.7 42.0 32.9 27.9 
Gross investment  27.0 29.2 35.1 29.2 27.0 19.3 19.3 21.9 19.9 16.8 16.2 
Gross fixed capital formation   27.7 29.9 22.5 19.1 20.5 14.3 19.3 21.9 19.9 16.8 16.2 
Public   9.3 10.1 6.8 5.1 5.1 1.8 3.5 2.9 2.6 2.3 1.8 
Private  (enterprises and 
households ) 18.4 19.9 15.7 14.0 15.4 12.5 15.8 19.0 17.3 14.5 14.4 
of which  oil sector  10.6 11.1 6.4 4.4 4.7 1.4 4.1 5.7 4.3 4.1 4.7 
non-oil sector  7.8 8.8 9.3 9.6 10.7 11.1 11.7 13.3 13.0 10.4 9.6 
Changes in inventories  -0.8 -0.8 12.6 10.1 6.5 5.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Net exports  29.6 24.1 15.5 18.1 17.9 27.5 31.6 29.4 24.9 39.0 46.1 
Exports of goods and non -factor  
services  61.0 57.4 44.5 46.0 44.0 52.3 54.3 51.4 47.5 55.8 60.8 
Imports of goods and non -factor 
services  31.4 33.3 29.0 27.9 26.1 24.8 22.7 22.0 22.6 16.8 14.7 
Sectoral distribution of GDP at current prices (% of GDP  at factor cost )b 
Agriculture, livestock and  fishing  3.0 3.0 3.2 3.7 4.2 4.3 4.5 4.6 5.6 4.8 4.3 
Agriculture  2.6 2.7 2.8 3.4 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.2 5.1 4.4 4.0 
 
1 Online information from the World Bank, viewed at: 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/gabon/overview . WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022a 
Hunting and livestock  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 
Fishing 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 
Forestry and logging  0.6 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.5 1.5 1.2 
Extractive industries  39.3 35.1 31.4 26.9 22.2 23.6 25.3 26.0 19.8 24.1 30.1 
Crude oil  36.6 31.7 28.6 24.9 20.5 21.1 22.5 23.3 16.6 21.3 27.4 
Mining 2.7 3.4 2.8 2.0 1.6 2.5 2.7 2.7 3.2 2.8 2.7 
Manufacturing  5.4 5.6 6.2 6.8 7.8 7.3 8.0 8.0 8.8 8.0 7.0 
Agri-food, beverages  1.5 1.6 1.8 1.9 2.1 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.0 1.7 
Timber  1.2 1.1 1.4 1.8 2.0 2.0 2.2 2.1 2.3 2.7 2.4 
Other  2.7 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.7 3.3 3.7 3.7 4.0 3.3 2.9 
Refining  0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Electricity, water  0.8 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.1 0.9 
Building and public works  6.0 7.0 6.1 6.4 6.6 4.9 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.4 3.1 
Services  46.1 49.2 52.5 55.3 57.9 58.4 57.5 57 61.4 57.4 53.8 
Transport  and 
telecommunications  4.5 4.9 5.3 6.1 6.8 9.3 9.9 11.1 13.8 11.7 10.2 
Trade  5.1 5.4 5.5 5.7 5.9 5.5 5.8 5.7 6.1 4.8 4.1 
Banking, insurance  2.1 2.5 2.6 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.5 2.9 2.4 
Petroleum services, research  12.3 12.9 12.6 11.3 11.1 11.4 12.1 11.9 10.9 16.6 19.1 
Government  11.9 12.6 15.7 17.2 17.9 17.0 15.0 13.9 15.8 12.2 10.0 
Other  services  10.2 10.9 10.8 12.0 13.0 12.1 11.5 11.4 11.3 9.2 8.0 
Public finance (% of GDP )b 
Total revenue and grants  30.1 30.2 26.1 21.1 18.7 18.5 17.9 20.5 19.1 15.8 30.1 
Oil revenue  17.5 15.5 11.5 7.1 5.1 6.6 6.2 7.6 6.8 5.3 17.5 
Non-oil revenue  12.6 14.7 14.6 14.0 13.6 11.8 11.6 13.0 12.3 10.5 12.6 
Tax revenue  14.2 16.1 14.9 12.8 11.0 10.7 1.2 12.1 12.5 9.2 14.2 
Taxes on income and profits  5.8 6.1 5.9 5.2 3.6 4.1 4.1 5.4 6.0 3.4 5.8 
Taxes on goods and services  2.1 3.2 3.2 2.0 2.6 2.5 1.6 1.9 1.5 1.9 2.1 
Taxes on foreign trade  4.6 4.6 4.0 4.2 3.3 2.8 2.7 2.9 3.5 2.9 4.6 
of which  on imports  4.5 4.5 3.9 4.5 3.2 2.6 2.5 2.8 3.2 2.5 4.5 
Other taxes  1.7 2.2 1.8 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.8 1.9 1.4 1.0 1.7 
Non-tax revenue  15.9 14.0 11.2 8.4 7.8 7.8 7.7 8.5 6.6 6.5 15.9 
Total expenditurec 27.6 28.4 23.6 22.1 23.7 20.3 19.1 19.2 21.3 17.6 27.6 
Overall balance  excluding grants 
(commitments basis)  2.5 1.8 2.5 -1.0 -4.9 -1.9 -1.2 1.4 -2.2 -1.8 2.5 
Changes in arrears (decrease  -) -0.2 -1.5 -3.1 -3.0 -1.6 -1.6 -1.0 -0.2 0.2 0.3 .. 
Overall balance (cash basis)  2.2 0.2 -0.6 -4.0 -6.5 -3.5 -2.2 1.1 -2.0 -1.6 .. 
Total financing  -2.2 -0.2 0.6 4.0 6.5 3.5 2.2 -1.1 2.0 1.6 .. 
External -0.2 5.9 1.0 2.3 1.7 3.9 1.9 0.2 1.3 -0.3 .. 
Domestic  -2.0 -6.1 -0.4 1.7 4.8 -0.4 0.3 -1.3 0.6 1.9 .. 
External sector  
CFAF per USD  (annual average )  510.6 493.9 493.8 591.2 592.6 580.7 555.4 585.9 575.6 554.5 623.8 
Real effective exchange rate 
(CPI, % change)d  -3.4 0.9 3.5 -6.5 1.1 2.1 5.6 -0.7 2.5 -1.1 -4.9 
Current account balance  
(% of GDP )b  11.5 8.3 6.1 1.2 -5.4 -4.6 2.3 10.4 5.9 6.3 7.1 
Outstanding external debt  
(% of GDP )a 16.3 23.5 27.3 33.9 37.4 38.7 40.0 39.2 46.0 37.8 .. 
Outstanding domestic debt 
(% of GDP )a 0.6 2.8 2.3 3.3 11.9 16.7 16.2 14.9 25.1 22.5 .. 
Total outstanding debt  
(% of GDP )b 16.9 26.3 29.6 37.4 49.2 55.5 56.1 54.1 71.1 60.4 .. 
External reserves (in months of 
imports of goods and services )  4.6 5.2 5.2 4.5 2.5 2.3 3.2 2.9 3.2 3.0  .. 
FDI inflows  (USD million ) -220.9 771.2 1,047.7 990.8 1,243.7 1,314.0 1,379.1 1,553.1 1,716.5 1,634.8 .. 
% of GDP   -1.3 4.4 5.8 6.9 8.9 8.8 8.2 9.2 11.2 8.1 .. 
FDI inward stock  (USD million )  3,941.0 4,712.2 5,759.9 6,750.7 7,994.3 9,308.3 10,687.4 12,240.6 13,957.1 15,591.9 .. 
% of GDP   22.9 26.8 31.6 46.9 57.1 62.5 63.2 72.4 91.2 77.2 .. 
.. Not available . 
a The data for 2022 are provisional . 
b Estimate d for 2016-20. 
c Details are not available . 
d A minus sign indicates a depreciation . 
Note:  The CFA franc, which is the common currency of the CEMAC countries , is pegged to the euro at  the 
rate of  EUR 1 = CFAF 655.96. 
Source:  BEAC , viewed at:  https://www.beac.int/economie -stats/statistiques -economiques/ ; IMF, 
International Financial Statistics, viewed at: http://elibrary -data.imf.org/ ; IMF, Regional Economic 
Outlook, October  2019, viewed at:  
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/REO/SSA/Issues/2019/10/01/sreo1019 ; UNCTADstat , viewed 
at: https://unctadstat.unctad.org/EN/Index.html ; Directorate -General of the Economy and Fiscal 
Policy of Gabon  (DGEPF) and World Bank.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  1.4.  The considerable economic potential of Gabon is still far from fully tapped , and the country 
remains vulnerable to external shocks, especially fluctuations in the price of oil and of the other raw 
materials it exports . Despite its per capita GDP of USD 8,529 in 2021 (compared to USD 9,775 in 
2013), which ranks Gabon among t he middle -income  countries, several aspects of its economy are 
comparable to those  found in less-developed countries . Weak infrastructure, difficulties with 
obtaining access to credit for SMEs , labour costs (fixed salary scales in the public and private se ctors)  
and the limited size of its market have continued to undermine efforts to diversify the 
Gabonese  economy . 
1.5.  In its business climate evaluation, the World Bank's Doing Business 2020 report rank ed Gabon 
169th out of 190 economies, two places lower than in 2018 . Positive aspects of Gabon 's business 
climate include the time required to start a business (shortened from 10 days to one)  and the 
availability of water and energy  (improved through  a drinking water sup ply project  and several 
projects to expan d the electricity transmission network for greater Libreville , including  the FE2  and 
Impératrice Falls hydroelectric power plant s in Ngounié province  and the  Grand Poubara plant in 
Haut Ogooué ). 
1.6.  In 2014 , the Government established the High Council for Investment to assist both national 
and foreign investors and provide a legal framework for business -related arbitration . Its aim is to 
improve the business climate in Gabon, which has carried out 13 reforms recom mended by the Doing 
Business report for starting a business , dealing with construction permit s, getting electricity,  trading 
across border s, registering property  and commercial justice . 
1.7.  Part of the population still gains little, however, from the country 's economic resources . The 
poverty level fell slightly between 2015 and 2017, from 34 % to 33.4 %, after social policy measures 
were taken by the Government . The Government 's efforts to put basic social program mes in place 
as part of a strategic progr amme called Pacte Socia l (Social Pact)  seem to have borne fruit in recent 
years . According to the UNDP 's Human Development Report  2019, Gabon has joined the rank of 
countries where human development levels are considered high , with a Human Development Index 
(HDI) of 0.7002, having previously been classified as a n average HDI country . 
1.8.  As a member of CEMAC, Gabon  shares a common Central African currency, the CFA franc  
(CFAF) , with other CEMAC member States under a currency exchange regime pegged to the euro .2 
The States have harmonized their monetary and financial systems within a framework developed by 
the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) ( Common Report, Section 1 ) and are moving toward s the 
establishment of an econom ic union.  
1.2  Recent economic developments  
1.9.  The performance of the Gabonese economy was solid in 2012 and 2013, with annual GDP 
growth of 5.3 % and 5.6 %, respectively . This positive performance , despite a decline in oil 
production , reflected increased public investment within the framework of the "Emerging Gabon" 
strategic plan (PSGE) , launched in 2012 with the aim of turning Gabon into a diversified emerging 
economy by 2025 . The investment program mes under the plan are designed mai nly to improve the 
country 's infrastructure through financing for road and port construction and a significant expansion 
of electric ity supply . This has benefited the economy 's non -oil sector, in particular mining, wood 
processing and construction , and has helped to sustain real GDP growth . 
1.10.  The agrifood  sector , in a context of sustained domestic demand,  performed well overall during 
the review period . Factoring into this performance were continuing  domestic and foreign orders for 
oils and fats , and revived economic activity in various market segments , as government measures 
to contend with COVID -19 were gradually lifted , and restaurants, h otels and discoth eques began to 
reopen . The services sector generally benefited from the strong performance of the economy , while  
the organization of international events  such as the second edition of "New York Forum Africa"  helped 
to buoy the tourism, hotel and restaurant sectors , not to mention  the airline business . The 
telecommunication s sector turned in a strong performance in 2013, enroll ing new GSM mobile 
phone , fixed-line phone and Internet  subscribers by offering attractive new rates and services .3 
 
2 EUR 1 has equalled CFAF 655.957 since 1 January 1994.  
3 Ministry of the Economy, Investment Promotion and Forecasting, Note de conjoncture sectorielle , 2014.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  1.11.  The oil industry performed less well in its traditional role o f engine for growth , owing to 
technical difficulties  for a number of operators , the depletion of oilfields and slumping oil prices in 
late 2013 . The industry 's value added fell by 4.2% in 2012 and 5.3% in 2013 (Table  1.1). Rubber 
production also contrac ted during those years  as plantations were invaded by insects  in 2013 . In 
the years since 2012, the oil sector 's performance has fluctuated, with growth of 8.6% in 2015, 13 % 
in 2019 and 5.9% in 2022 (Table  1.1). 
1.12.  Starting in 2014, falling oil prices and dwindling  reserves combined to squeeze industry 
earnings , including  public revenues , and thus reduc e the fund ing available for public investments . 
Having represented around 10.1% of GDP in 2013, public investment s suffered a steady decline and 
accounted fo r just 1.8% by 2022, with only a timid rally in 2018 ( see Table 1.1) . Tighter budgets in 
the wake of falling public revenues contributed to cuts for building and public works , services  and 
other sectors . A relatively good performance by the non-oil sector  (particularly  in the case of  forestry 
and agrifood  in the special economic zone ) did not suffice to prop up the rest of the economy . 
Consequen tly, GDP growth  slowed from 4.3 % in 2014 to 0.5% in 2017 and fluc tuated erratically 
thereafter : 3.9% in 2019 , -1.8% in 2020, on account  of the COVID -19 crisis, and back up to 2.9% 
in 2022. 
1.13.  With the exception of  brief spikes in consumer prices in 2014 and 2018, inflation was kept 
generally under control and in line with the CEMAC  convergence criteria , owing in particular to the 
prudent monetary policy implemented at the regional level by the BEAC ( Common Report, Section  1) 
(Table 1.1). Gabon supported this policy with measures of its own . In 2013 , it eliminated import 
taxes on a vast range of items to help to neutralize inflationary pressures first detected in 2012 . 
That measure was then assisted by a subsidence in global food prices in 2013. Renewed inflationary 
pressures in 2014, as food prices turned back upward , were then moderated by a drop in global oil 
prices , producing a reversal in the inflation rate by 2015 ( -0.3%). Falling costs in the 
communications subsector  as a result of growing competition , aided by  improvements in the 
deployment of fib re optics , also helped , during this period,  to contain inflation4, which remained 
below 2% from 2019 onwards (Table  1.1). 
1.14.  Efforts to manage inflation should be assessed in the light of the main reforms carried out by 
the country during the period, which could have significantly fuelled inflation . These reforms included 
the elimination of subsidies for most retail petroleum products and the int roduction of an automatic 
indexing mechanism for fuel prices at the pump  in early 2016, together with higher international 
commodity prices , which have led to regular inflationary pressures since 2016 , and peaked in 2018 
with an annual increase of  4.8%. 
1.15.  Gabon 's fiscal policy, including the PSGE investment program me, was essentially expansionist  
during the review period . In consequence, a s spending increased rapidly , particularly on investment, 
at a time when oil revenues were falling , the Government 's budget position came under pressure  
(Table  1.1). The country 's traditional budget surpluses, previously maintained by healthy oil 
revenues, started to evaporate , with growing deficit s (on a cash basis) that culminated in 2016 , at 
roughly  5% of GDP . The Government 's recourse to domestic bank financing for that deficit then led 
to an accumulation of payment arrears (for domestic as well as foreign loans ). 
1.16.  By 19 June 2017, Gabon was obliged to sign a three -year Extended Arrangement under the 
IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) , for an amount of  SDR 464.4 million  (approximately 
USD 642 million ).5 The country agreed under that Arrangement to contain its current expenditure 
and better harness non -petroleum revenues by improving its tax administration and streamlin ing 
tax exemptions . 
1.17.  Among the measures it adopted to contain current spending , the Government froze public 
sector hiring , traineeships,  career advancement and tenured appointments ; conducted a biometric 
census to clean up the civil service payroll ; revised its lease contracts ; restricted business -class 
travel to members of the Government ; and audited  domestic debt . To increase revenue,  it revised 
the General Tax Code ; streamlined exemptions and favourable treatment provisions ; recodified 
exemption regimes ; revised certain tax mechanisms ; modernized customs procedures  by upgrading 
 
4 Ministry of the Economy, Investment Promotion and Forecasting, Note de conjoncture sectorielle , 2015.  
5 IMF. Viewed at: https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/06/20/imf -executive -board -approves -
us642-million -extended -arrangement -under -the-eff-for-gabon . WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 224 - 
  the software tool for customs clearance ; strengthen ed operational capacity ; eliminated rebates for 
certain large importers ; and applied the special procedure for fiscal regularization.  
1.18.  Gabon  has also committed to taking measures to avoid the need for extrabudgetary spending 
and the accumulation of arrears . A strategy should be adopted for the full repayment of its arrears . 
The Government has also undertaken to accelerate its implementation of CEMAC  directives , improve 
its budgetary transparency and strengthen its financial oversight of public enterprises and state 
agencies . Its establishment of the National Commission to Combat Illicit Enr ichment , the National 
Financial Investigation Agency and various new agencies to strengthen the Court of Auditors  all 
appear to move in the same direction, i.e. the improvement of financial governance . 
1.19.  These reforms seem to be bearing fruit , and together w ith reviving oil revenues , following a 
substantial rise in the global price per barrel , have contributed to a reduction in the budget deficit : 
from 4.9% in 2016, to 1.9% in 2017, to 1.2% in 2018, and to a surplus of  1.4% in 2019. That trend 
was reversed, however, by the crisis  ensuing from COVID -19, resulting in a budget deficit of 2.2 % 
in 2020 . That deficit improved slightly  in 2021, to  2% (Table  1.1). 
1.20.  The continually deteriorating budget situation  and the borrowing required to finance it 
increased the country 's public debt – dominated by external debt (about 79 % of the stock of public 
debt for the period ) – throughout the review  period , from 16.9 % of GDP in 2012  to 71.1 % in 2020 , 
before it declin ed slightly  to 60.4 % in 2021 . 
1.21.  Because of dwindling revenues from the export of petroleum product s, what had started as a 
current account surplus  became a deficit  by 2016  (-5.4% of GDP),  before rebounding between 2018 
and 2020  (Table  1.1). While imports also declined , they did so less rapidly than exports . Then, 
between 2017 and 2019, those trends reversed : exports grew more rapidly tha n imports – and thus 
covered a higher percentage thereof – bringing back down the current account deficit . Higher prices 
for and production of  manganese also contributed to this result . 
1.22.  The COVID -19 pandemic resulted in a substantial d ownturn  in economic activity , and there 
was a 50% drop in oil prices on account of an excess of oil supply relative to demand  and 
disagreement among the main oil -producing countries  over the storage of unsold production . The 
pandemic also sparked a general decline in prices , constrained demand for major export products  
and a slowdown  or outright paralysis of economic activ ity in certain sectors  in the wake of anti -COVID 
measures . 
1.23.  The pandemic 's impact on the economy was limited thanks to measures taken by the 
authorities to help  to revive consumption . Several socioeconomic measures were taken  to protect 
segments of the population, including the creation of a special response fund (free care for persons 
infected with COVID -19), tax and customs exemptions in the health -care sector, continued payment 
of salaries for officials, free urban transpor t, food assistance and other forms of support . 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments , 2012 -22 
(CFAF billion )  
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016a 2017a 2018a 2019a 2020a 2021a 2022a 
Current account 
balance  1,009.6 721.7 548.7 103.2 -445.6 -396.0 212.6 1,031.6 517.0 707.6 965.2 
External trade 
balance  3,133.2 2,623.0 2,194.4 1,148.2 982.9 1,408.4 1,681.0 2,574.3 1,695.4 2,348.7 3,339.1 
Exports  4,994.3 4,623.5 4,098.9 3,023.9 2,547.7 3,371.0 3,762.4 3,938.7 3,581.2 4,213.4 6,285.0 
Imports  -1,861.1 -2,000.5 -1,904.5 -1,875.7 -1,564.8 -1,962.6 -2,081.4 -1,364.4 -1,885.9 -1,864.7 -2,946.0 
Services  balance  -1,091.2 -1,200.3 -1,104.4 -946.7 -981.6 -923.2 -637.5 -1,125.8 -925.3 -1,159.8 -1,432.8 
Income b alance  -799.8 -417.1 -265.1 -43.9 -392.9 -555.3 -497.3 -401.5 -249.9 -444.6 -944.9 
Current transfers 
balance  -232.7 -283.9 -276.1 -54.5 -54.1 -325.8 -333.6 -15.3 -3.1 -36.6 3.8 
Capital and financial 
operations account  -675.7 -236.6 -337.8 -206.9 -210.9 14.8 -342.9 -744.8 -473.5 -1,327.3 -922.2 
Capital  account  0.0 0.0 0.0 2.3 0.0 -0.4 -180.0 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Public (net)  0.0 0.0 0.0 2.3 0.0 -0.3 8.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Private (net) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1 -188.0 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Financial 
operations 
account  -675.7 -236.6 -337.8 -209.1 -210.9 15.2 -162.9 -744.7 -473.5 -1,327.3 -922.2 
Direct 
investment (net)  -143.0 43.3 387.1 14.9 736.0 154.7 -58.1 125.0 66.0 24.4 382.2 WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 225 - 
   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016a 2017a 2018a 2019a 2020a 2021a 2022a 
Portfolio 
investment (net)  -1.6 457.8 36.9 106.5 117.0 6.6 -5.0 4.5 3.0 52.9 81.4 
Other investment 
(net) -531.2 -737.7 -761.8 -330.6 -1,064.0 -146.0 -99.9 -874.2 -542.5 -1,404.5 -1,385.8 
Errors and 
omissions  -253.9 -233.3 -325.0 -165.1 -138.3 219.8 204.4 -255.7 -257.5 373.9 .. 
Overall balance  80.0 251.8 -114.1 -268.8 -794.9 -161.3 74.1 31.1 -214.1 -245.7 42.9 
Financ ing -80.0 -251.8 114.1 268.8 794.9 161.3 -74.1 -31.1 214.1 245.7 -42.9 
Changes in 
official reserves  
(decrea se +)  -80.0 -251.8 94.2 220.5 629.9 64.0 -111.4 33.6 205.2 245.7 -42.9 
Exception al 
financing  0.0 0.0 19.9 48.3 165.0 97.3 37.3 -64.7 8.9 0.0 0.0 
Changes in 
external reserves  
(decrease -) 0.0 0.0 0.3 5.0 147.0 -14.7 37.3 -64.7 8.9 0.0 0.0 
Debt relief and 
cancellations  0.0 0.0 19.6 43.3 18.0 112.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
.. Not available . 
a Estimate . 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities . 
1.24.  According to the IMF, the economic outlook for Gabon in the short term is not very optimistic, 
given the persistence of domestic arrears encumbering bank balance sheets and restricting credit 
for the private sector . Greater optimism may be warranted over the medium  term, on the other 
hand,  if the authorities fulfil their commitments under the EFF, with prospects of up to 5 % growth  
on the strength of recent investments , including foreign ones , in infrastructure , manga nese 
production and agrifood . The emergence of these new sectors will help to diversify the economy and 
reduce its dependence on petroleum . 
1.3  Developments in trade and investment  
1.3.1   Trends and patterns in merchandise and services trade  
1.25.  Total trade as a percentage of GDP, around 61 % in 2012, fell steadily as a function of declining 
exports of petroleum products, to about 44 % in 2016 , before turning upward again in 2017  
(Table  1.1). Imports have represented a relatively constant share of GDP.  
1.26.  The terms of trade for Gabon 's exports generally deteriorated during the review period , mainly 
on account of a steady decline in the value of exports under the effect of declining prices and volume s 
of petroleum products . Lower oil revenues  also kept demand fo r imports down most of those years.  
1.27.  The value of exported goods , dominated by hydrocarbons  and amounting to  USD 9.6 billion  
in 2012, had by 2016 fallen to USD 3.9 billion  (Table  A1.1) . In 2017, a rise in manganese exports 
produced a timid rebound for export s of goods overall, amounting to USD 5.5 billion  by 2018. Fuel 
nonetheless continued to account for the bulk of Gabon 's export earnings , albeit a clearly declining 
share  during the review period overall (Table  A1.1 and Chart  1.1). Fuel's share of total exports fell 
from 91.3 % in 2012 to approximately 75 % in 2016 . In 2017 and 20 18, new wells in operation, 
improvements in production methods and a rebound in oil prices helpe d to strengthen the 
contribution of fuel to the country 's export earnings . 
1.28.  Asia has remained the leading destination for Gabonese exports, with China gradually 
increasing its share to become the  largest national market for exported Gabonese products 
(Table  A1.2 and Chart  1.2). Concomitantly , the share of its exports to the United States fell from 
17.8% in 2012 to 0.6% in 2021. The share going to other significant destinations – Australia, the 
European Union and Trinidad and Tobago – fluctuated throughout the review period . Gabon's exports 
to CEMAC countries remained extremely limited . WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 226 - 
  Chart 1.1 Structure of trade in goods , 2012  and 20 21 
 
 
Note: The statistical totals for exports and imports provided by the authorities and contained in this chart 
are not always comparable with the balance -of-payments statistics supplied by the same authorities.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates , based on information  provided by the authorities . 
2012 2021
(a)    Exports (f.o.b.)
Other
4.2%
Crude oil
67.1%Petroleum products
4.6%Sawn wood and 
wood products 
15.0%
Manganese 9.2%
Total: USD 9,605.1 million Total: USD 5,877.9 million
(b)    Imports (c.i.f.)
Food products 
(excluding 
beverages)
15.0%Machines and 
electrical 
appliances 9.4%Vehicles
8.2%Other 23.6%
Non-food products
14.4%Intermediate products of 
construction enterprises 
3.0%
Tools, machines, 
mechanical appliances
17.6%Steel products
8.8%Other
13.3%Pharmaceutical products
4.7%
Petroleum 
products
4.2%
Food products 
(excluding 
beverages)
26.6%
Tools, machines, 
mechanical appliances
15.2%Non-food products
12.8%Steel products
4.6%Machines and 
electrical 
appliances 7.7%Vehicles
6.6%Intermediate 
products of 
construction 
enterprises
4.3%
Total: USD 3,645.6 million Total: USD 2,227.1 millionOther 5.3 %
Crude oil
87.4%Petroleum products
3.9%
Sawn wood and wood 
products 3.4%WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 227 - 
  Chart 1.2 Direction of trade in goods , 2012  and 20 21 
 
Note: The statistical totals for exports and imports provided by the authorities and contained in this chart 
are not always comparable with the balance -of-payments statistics supplied by the same authorities.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates , based on information  provided by the authorities . 
1.29.  After rising slightly in 2012 and 2013, imports of goods have since  fallen steadily, from  
USD 3.9 billion  in 2013 to 2.2 billion  in 2021 (Table  A1.3) . The main reason for this decline was a 
halt in infrastructure construction and imports of related equipment and  of consumer goods as oil 
revenues dwindled . The structure of imports is more diversified than that of exports . Imports have 
been dominated by manufactured goods and secondarily by food products . During the period under 
review, however, the share of manufactured goods diminished in favour  of food and petroleum 
products (Table  A1.3 and Chart  1.1). 
2012 2021
(a)    Exports (f.o.b.)
CEMAC
1.2%Other 8.3%
EU-27
20.0%India 
14.7%
China 
32.7%Japan 0.2%
Australia
3.3%Indonesia 3.9%
United States
0.6%
Trinidad and Tobago
0.0%Korea, Republic of 
7.0%
Malaysia 2.9%
Singapore 
5.3%
Total: USD 9,605.1 million Total: USD 5,877.9 million
(b)    Imports (c.i.f.)
EU-27
56.4%China  7.7%
Other
23.7%India  1.5%CEMAC 
3.1%Morocco 0.8%
United States
6.7%Cambodia 0.1%
EU-28
46.0%China  11.0%
Other
26.4%Togo
3.4%
CEMAC
2.8%India 2.5%
United States
3.7%Morocco 2.2%Cambodia 2.2%
Total: USD 3,645.6 million Total: USD 2,227.1 millionCEMAC  
0.5%
Other
6.6%EU-27
15.7%Japan 7.9%Indonesia
18.9%
India 10.2%
China 3.2%
Australia
9.4%
United States
17.8%Trinidad and Tobago
5.2%Korea, Republic of 
1.5%
Singapore 1.5%Malaysia 1.6%WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 228 - 
  1.30.  While the EU (France and Belgium in particular ) is still the major supplier to the Gabonese 
market , accounting for some 45 % of the market , its predominance has declined steadily since 2012  
(Table  A1.4 and Chart  1.2). Over the same period , Asia (particularly China ) has positioned itself as 
a leading supplier to the Gabonese market . Within Africa, Cameroon, Morocco and Togo each 
supplied between 1 % and 3 % of the countr y's imports  in most years of the period . Imports from 
Togo have increased signifi cantly since 2018, accounting for some 7 % of Gabon 's total imports in 
2018 and 20 19. This increase is attributable to  greater demand for petroleum products  (oils, 
lubricants and fuel) , bearing in mind the decline in output from the Gabonese Refining Compan y 
(SOGARA) , no longer sufficient to satisfy domestic demand.  
1.31.  Gabon  continues to be a net importer of services . However, its trade in services deficit declined 
between 2012 and 2018, before rising from 2019 onwards (Table 1.2) . The balance of trade in 
services in Gabon is shaped mainly by business, travel and transport services.  
1.3.2   Trends and patterns in foreign direct investment ( FDI)  
1.32.  Gabon 's long -term development plan (PSGE) , launched in 2012, is aimed mainly at promoting 
private i nvestment , notably in infrastructure, to diversify the national economy . As part of that plan, 
the Government undertook to improve the country 's economic governance , but its commitment did 
not lead to concrete measures . The results in terms of FDI  have therefore been uneven . 
1.33.  Investment flows fluctuated between 2012 and 2018 . Following a contraction in 2012, they 
improved in 2013 to total  USD 771.2 million  (4% of GDP ). The peak came in 2017, when 
investments represented 10.4% of GDP . These figures are largely a reflection of investments in 
mining and agrifood  (the palm oil company Olam) , and operations in the Nkok economic zone ( free 
zone) for the installation of new prod uction units and the purchase of materials for continuing 
infrastructure improvements for the Owendo mineral port. 
1.34.  The stock of FDI in Gabon rose from USD 3.9 billion  (22.1% of GDP ) in 20 12 to 
USD 10.3 billion  (65.4% of GDP ) in 2018. 
 WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.1  General framework  
2.1.  The Constitution of 1991 (as revised in 2011, 2018 and 2021) is founded on the separation of 
powers. The President of the Republic is the Head of State, while the Prime Minister, who is appointed 
by the President, is the Head of Government. The President of the Republic may be assisted by a 
Vice-President appointed by him. In the event that the President of the Republic should become 
temporarily unavailable, a collegial body composed of the President of the Senate, Speaker of the 
National Assembly and Minister of Defence provisionally performs the functions  of the President of 
the Republic. Certain functions of the President may be performed, depending on the case, by either 
the Vice -President of the Republic or the Prime Minister, upon special authorization by the 
Constitutional Court.6 The President of the Republic and parliamentarians are elected by direct 
universal suffrage. The President of the Republic is elected for seven years and may be re -elected. 
Legislative power is divided between the two chambers of Parliament. The National Assembly is 
composed of 143 seats and the Senate of 52 seats. Women now hold approximately 17.7 % of those 
seats. The President may dissolve the National Assembly. The Government is accountable to both 
the President and the National Assembly.  
2.2.  The 2018 revis ion of the Constitution  increased the number of seats in the National Assembly 
from 120 to 143 and reduced the number of Senate seats from 102 to 52.7 It also added provisions 
promoting equal access for women and men to electoral office and political and professional positions 
and establishing: a uninominal two -round majority voting system for presidential and parliamentary 
elections; a single -round system for local elections; and a swearing -in ceremony for ministers and 
generals before the President of th e Republic.  
2.3.  The constitutional reform of 2021 made parliamentary seats inviolable and parliamentary 
review of public policies a constitutional condition. It also provided that, following the termination of 
powers for the National Assembly or Senate, howeve r brought about, the chamber remaining in 
office shall exercise full parliamentary authority until the Constitutional Court has ruled on the results 
of elections organized for renewal of the chamber concerned.  
2.4.  Justice is delivered in the name of the Gabone se people by the Constitutional Court, the Court 
of Cassation (the highest court in civil, commercial, social and criminal matters), the Council of State 
(the highest authority for administrative matters), the Court of Auditors, the Courts of Appeal, the 
ordinary courts, the High Court of Justice and other special jurisdictions. Commercial litigation 
between economic operators is heard by the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (the highest 
Community court in commercial matters), the Courts of Appeal an d the ordinary courts. Judges are 
appointed by the Supreme Council of the Judiciary under the Presidency of the Republic.  
2.5.  In the hierarchy of norms, the Constitution is supreme, followed by international treaties and 
conventions and then by laws, ordinance s, general principles of law, regulations (decrees and 
orders), case law (judicial precedent) and administrative acts (ministerial, governmental, prefectural 
and municipal). The President of the Republic may take measures by ordinance on matters that 
norma lly require legislation. Ordinances are adopted by the Council of Ministers, following a ruling 
by the Constitutional Court. They enter into force upon publication but expire if not ratified by 
Parliament at its following session.  
2.2  Trade policy formulation and objectives  
2.6.  Generally speaking, policies are drawn up and implemented by means of laws, decrees or 
ordinances. Each ministry is charged with formulating policies in its area of responsibility and drafting 
relevant legislation. This process takes place i n consultation with other ministries and public services 
standing to be affected by the measures concerned. The Economic and Social Council is consulted 
on all legislative provisions of a fiscal, economic, social or cultural nature, and may be involved at 
an earlier stage in their preparation. To be adopted, draft laws must be approved by both chambers 
 
6 Article 13 of the Constitution.  
7 Law No.  001/2018 of 12  January  2018 revising the Constitution of the Republic.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 230 - 
  of Parliament, the Senate and the National Assembly. They are then promulgated by the President 
of the Republic and published in the Official Journal of the Gabonese Republic.  
2.7.  The President of the Republic signs and promulgates international treaties and agreements. 
These must in principle be ratified by the National Assembly, except when signed without reservation 
as to ratification, as was the case for the W TO Agreement ( Section 2.3.1). As soon as international 
treaties and agreements are signed, they have force of law, subject to implementation by the other 
party to the treaty or agreement. They are applicable as law in Gabon as soon as they are ratified 
and are automatically binding. Under this system, the WTO Agreement may be invoked directly in 
Gabonese courts, although this has never happened to date.  
2.8.  The Ministry of Trade has responsibility for technical questions relating to the formulation and 
implemen tation of trade policy, including WTO -related matters and all bilateral or plurilateral trade 
agreements. Other ministries are also involved in formulating and implementing trade policy, in 
particular the Ministry of Finance and the ministries responsible for sectoral matters. As indicated by 
the authorities in connection with the previous Review, Gabon adopted its principal commercial law, 
the Single Commercial Code, in July  2008. The Code incorporates the rules of the Organization for 
the Harmonization of  Business Law in Africa (OHADA) and most Gabonese laws on commercial 
activities, the objective being to foster private sector development. Trade policies and practices are 
governed by a number of Gabonese laws, ordinances and regulations (Table 2.1).  
2.9.  Emplo yers' and trade union organizations are consulted on an ad hoc  basis on the formulation 
of trade policy; however, there is still no permanent arrangement for consultations between the 
State and the private sector.  
Table 2.1 Gabon's principal trade -related laws and regulations, 2023  
Sector  Instrument/law  
Customs legislation  CEMAC Customs Code;  
Updated Gabonese Customs Tariff Decree No.  917/PR/MFEBP -CP of 
24 June 1997;  
Law No.  10/2000 of 12 October  2000.  
Status of trader, industrialist or 
craftsman  Ordinance No.  10/89 of 28 September  1989;  
Commercial Code 2008 (see references).  
Value -added tax, excise duties and 
levies at the customs cordon  Tax Code, Law No.  027/2008 of 22  January  2009,  updated in 2017 
by Law No.  027/2008/PR on the General Tax Code;  
Law No.  047/2018 of 31  December  2018;  
Article 47 of the Constitution;  
Articles 10, 11,12 and 13 of Organic Law No.  20/2014 of 
21 May 2015;  
Law No.  021/2017 of 26  January  2018;  
Law No. 26/2016 of 6  January  2016;  
Law No.  0009/2017 of 31  August  2017;  
Law No.  021/2015 of 1  February  2016.  
Import prohibitions and licenses  Decree No.  000455/PR/MCD/MEFBP of 14  June 1999.  
Technical standards and regulations  Ordinance No.  3/PR/2005 of 11  August  2005;  
Decree No.  000103/PR/MCDIN of 25  January  2008;  
Decree No.  0341/PR/MIM of 28  February  2013;  
Order No.  17/MMIT of 18  March  2015.  
Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  Law No.  2/6565 of 5  June 1965;  
Law No.  015/2005 of 8  August  2005;  
Law No.  15/65 of 12  December  1965;  
Law No.  2/65 of 5  June 1965;  
Law No.  73/77 of 15  December  1977;  
Ordinance No.  50/78 of 21  August  1978;  
Decree No.  000665/PR/MEFBP of 9  August  2004;  
Ordinance No. 1/95 of 14  January  1995 and Decree 
No. 000820/PR/MSPP of 19  July 2001;  
Order No.  00340 of 20  July 1999;  
Decree No.  000922/PR/MEFBP/MAEDR of 18  October  2005;  
Presidential Decree of 28  October  2005;  
Order No.  129/06/MEFBP/CABME/SG/DGCC of 22  February  2006; 
Decree No.  0292/PR/MAEPDR of 18  February  2011;  
Decree No.  0667/PR/MAEPDR of 10  July 2013;  
Decree No.  0329/PR/MAEPSA of 2  July 2015;  
Decree No.  0578/PR/MAEAMOPG of 26  November  2015.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  Sector  Instrument/law  
Investments  Law No.  15/98 of 23  July 1998.  
Promotion of SMEs and SMIs  Law No.  0008/2018 of 8  February  2019 on the orientation of 
national policy for the promotion of SMEs;  
Law No.  0009/2018 of 8  February  2019 on advisory and support 
structures for SMEs.  
Mandji Island free zone  Law No.  10/2000 of 12 October  2000.  
Procedures and regulations for the 
establishment of private commercial 
enterprises  Seven uniform acts of the Organization for the Harmonization of 
Business Law in Africa (OHADA).  
Protection of patents, industrial designs 
and trademarks, new plant varieties  Bangui Agreement (1999);  
Law No.  14/2003 of 28  January  2003.  
Protection of copyright and related 
rights  Law No.  1/87 of 29  July 1987.  
Competition and price control  Law No.  14/98 of 23  July 1998;  
Decree No.  000665/PR/MEFBP of 9  August  2004;  
Orders No.  ° 0138 and No.  0139/MEEDD/CABMIN/DGCC of 
14 August  2012;  
Order No.  0140/MEEDD/CABMIN/DGCC of 14  August  2012;  
Order No.  000757/MEPIP/SG of 24  October  2014 and Order 
No. 0577/PM of 9  June 2016;  
Order No.  0022/MEPPD/SG/DGCC  of 23 July 2018;  
Order No.  51 22/MCPME/MAA/MT of 15  August  2022.  
Privatization of state-owned enterprises  Law No.  1/96 of 13  February  1996;  
Decision No.  0958 of 29  March  2010;  
Law No.  020/2016 of 5  September  2016 ratifying Ordinance 
No. 009/PR/2015 of 11  February  2016 (LPPP).  
Government procurement  Decree No.  0254/PR/MEEDD of 19  June 2012;  
Decree No.  1044/PR/MEFBP of 1  October  2003;  
Decree No.  1102/PR/MEFBP of 4  October  2003;  
Decree No.  00027/PR/MEPPDD of 17  January  2018;  
Order No.  0006/MEPPDD of 23  March 2018 establishing thresholds 
for the award of government procurement contracts.  
Environment  Law No.  16/93 of 26  August  1993.  
Forestry  Law No.  16/2001 of 31  December  2001;  
Law No.  4/2010 of 9  February  2010.  
Agriculture  Law No.  23/2008 of 10 December  2008;  
Law No.  14/63 of 8  May 1963;  
Law No.  15/2005 of 8  August  2005;  
Council Decision 2006/788/CE of 7  November  2006.  
Mining  Decree No.  0080/PR of 30  June 2015;  
Mining Code Law No.  037/2018 of 11  June 2019.  
Hydrocarbons  Hydrocarbons Code of 1 6 July 2019.  
Electricity  Decree No.  0598/PR of 29  December  2016;  
Law No.  024/2016.  
Water  Decree No.  0598/PR of 29  December  2016;  
Law No.  024/2016.  
Civil aviation  CEMAC Civil Aviation Code of 22  July 2012;  
Law No.  023/2016 of 29 December  2016 on the Civil Aviation Code 
of the Gabonese Republic;  
Order No.  000015/MTL/ANAC of 21  December  2018 establishing the 
regime for air carrier operating licences and certificates.  
Telecommunications  Law No.  6/2001 of 27  June 2001;  
Law No.  026/2018 of 22  October  2019 regulating electronic 
communications in the Gabonese Republic.  
Postal services  Law No.  4/2001 of 27  June 2001.  
Tourism  Ordinance No.  2/2000 of 12  October  2000;  
Law No.  004/2000 ratifying Ordinance No.  002/PR of 
12 February  2000 o n the regime applicable to tourism investment;  
Law No.  016/2001;  
Decree No.  649/PR of 25  May 2001;  
Law No.  023/2018 of 30  July 2018.  
Exchange rate regime  Regulation No.  02/18/CEMAC/UMAC/CM of 21  December  2018.  
Banking and microfinance services  Bank of Central African States (BEAC) and Central African Monetary 
Union provisions.  
Insurance  Insurance Code of the Inter -African Conference on Insurance 
Markets (CIMA).  
Source:  Gabonese authorities.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 232 - 
  2.10.  The "Emerging Gabon" strategic plan (PSGE) 2011 -25 represents  an ambitious programme of 
reforms, policies and investment aimed at diversifying the economy to lessen its dependence on oil 
by sustainably exploiting its comparative advantages, including its natural resources, and improving 
the competitiveness of its in dustrial and services sectors. Mindful of Gabon's comparative 
advantages, the plan identifies four priority areas for attention: (i)  sustainable human development; 
(ii) governance; (iii)  human capital; and (iv)  infrastructure. In terms of trade policy, the  objective 
of the PSGE is the sustainable integration of Gabon into subregional and global trade.  
2.11.  The PSGE has three strategic pillars: "Green Gabon", "Industrial Gabon" and "Service -oriented 
Gabon". The Green Gabon pillar pursues the optimal exploitation of Gabon's rich land, including its 
forest resources and exceptional biodiversity. The Industrial Gabon pillar has been designed around 
the development of local subcontracting as a means to gain maximum value from Gabon's 
underground resources. The Service -oriented Gabon pillar is about tapping the potential of Gabon's 
human capital to meet the economy's need for greater diversification.  
2.12.  Two of the five flagship programmes of action under Gabon's economic recovery plan 2017 -19 
also targeted business -related  objectives: to strengthen the competitiveness of its economic sectors 
and to improve the business climate. The remaining three programmes sought to optimize economic 
revenue and financing, effectively manage public expenditure and ensure the quality of pu blic 
services.  
2.13.  In 2022, Gabon developed a trade strategy designed to gain maximum advantage from the 
possibilities offered by the United States African Growth and Opportunity  Act (AGOA).  
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  
2.3.1   WTO  
2.14.  Gabon is a founding Member of the WTO (Common Report, Section 2). The concessions made 
by Gabon at the conclusion of the Uruguay Round are contained in Schedule XLVII as regards goods 
and in document GATS/SC/34 as regards services. Gabon grants, as a minimum, MFN treatment to  
all its trading partners and has not signed any of the WTO plurilateral agreements. In the framework 
of multilateral trade negotiations, Gabon is a member of the following groups: ACP, African Group, 
G-90 and "W52" sponsors.  
2.15.  Gabon renegotiated its tariff commitments under Article  XXVIII of the GATT because many of 
its tariffs had applied rates that were higher than its commitments ( Section  3.1.3). Gabon's new list 
of concessions was approved by all WTO Members and certified in May  2017.  
2.16.  Gabon ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement on 5  December  2016 and has notified 
its Category  A, B and C measures ( Section  3.1.1).8 Gabon deposited its instrument of acceptance 
for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 12  July 2023.  
2.17.  Gabon continues to send relatively few notifications to the WTO. Its notifications between 
January  2013 and March  2020 are shown in Table  2.2 in the common report.  
2.18.  Gabon still encounters difficulties in implementing the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation 
and has reiterated its ne ed for technical assistance in doing so.  
2.3.2   Other trade arrangements  
2.19.  In addition to the CEMAC and ECCAS trade preferences, Gabon is granted trade preferences 
by the EU and the United States (Common Report, Section 2).  
 
8 WTO document WT/PCTF/N/GAB/1 of 21  August  2019.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 233 - 
  2.4  Investment regime  
2.20.  Following the creation of Gabon's National Investment Promotion Agency (ANPI -Gabon) in 
2014, the Government implemented numerous measures and reforms to encourage investment 
during the period 2019 -22, including:  
• adoption of three new sectoral codes for hydrocarbons, mining and t ourism;  
• implementation of several reforms to strengthen support for investors, including the 
introduction of a Digital Investment Window, the operationalization of the Libreville 
Commercial Court and the expansion of ASYCUDA World, a computerized applicati on for 
customs clearance of goods, for use in all Gabonese customs offices; and  
• adoption of a draft investment code introducing innovations in such areas as investment 
permits, dividing the country into three investment zones to harmonize development 
throu ghout Gabon and reformulating the law on special investment zones.  
2.4.1   Institutional framework for investment in Gabon  
2.21.  The High Council for Investment is a platform for public -private dialogue with the principal 
objectives of promoting investment -related refor ms and overseeing their implementation. Its 
contributions in 2022 included the development of a national business climate barometer called 
"Ease -Gabon". It now oversees numerous reforms to improve investor support, the investment 
framework, the national pr ofessional training and employment programme, fiscal and parafiscal 
administration and the competitiveness of national business sectors, in addition to the reforms 
outlined in the "Doing  Business road map 2021 -23". Validated by the Council of Ministers on 
11 August  2021, this road map covers 32 reforms to improve indicators in the World Bank's 
now-discontinued ease of doing business index (starting a business, dealing with construction 
permits, getting electricity, registering property, paying taxes, tradin g across borders and 
commercial justice).  
Chart 2.1 Institutional framework for investment in  Gabon, 2022  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat based on information provided by the Gabonese authorities.  
2.22.  Fiscal and customs  incentives are not provided for in the Charter, but are contained either in 
various regulations, such as the Community Customs Code and the Tax Code, or in agreements 
between the investor and the Gabonese State. Under the Tax Code, new enterprises engaged  in 
industrial, mining, agricultural or forestry activities are entitled to certain incentives upon application 
to the Ministry responsible for finance.  
President of the Republic
Head of State
Public Sector
Minister responsible for 
promoting investment
Minister of Economy
Sectoral ministers 
concerned with matters on 
the agendaPrivate Sector
National investors and/or 
their representatives
Foreign investors or other 
persons whose expertise is 
deemed usefulPermanent Secretariat
ANPI -Gabon
High Council for 
InvestmentWT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 234 - 
  2.23.  Law No.  0008/2018 of 8  February  2019 on the orientation of national policy for the promotion 
of SMEs, w hich repealed Law No.  16/2005 of 25  September  2006, establishes two regimes with 
respect to the status of SMEs. The general regime applies to all enterprises meeting the criteria 
established in the law to identify SMEs, including turnover below CFAF  3 billion, a maximum of 
200 permanent employees and a registered office in Gabon. The second regime applies to 
enterprises that also meet the following criteria: full or majority ownership of, and effective 
management by, Gabonese nationals, and 90 % of whose emp loyees are of Gabonese origin.  
2.24.  The Government's economic recovery plan has taken a sectoral approach, identifying priority 
sectors for support through public -private partnerships (PPPs). The eight priority sectors identified 
are timber, agriculture, fishin g, mining, hydrocarbons, construction, digital technology and tourism.  
2.25.  In support of the Government's efforts to diversify investment, ANPI -Gabon has a unit 
dedicated to PPPs that has been assigned, pursuant to Decree No.  0169/PR/MDDEPIP of 
14 March  2016, to help to establish a legal and institutional framework for PPPs and to promote 
PPP projects for priority sectors. Decree No.  155/PR/MPIPPP has also established a PPP Support Unit, 
with similar responsibilities.  
2.26.  Many bilateral agreements on investment are in force in Gabon, specifically with Argentina, 
Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, 
Philippines, Portugal, Russian Federation, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, 
Thaila nd and the United States. Gabon is a member of, or signatory to, several international treaties 
and agreements on investment (Common Report, Section 2).  
2.4.2   Special Economic Zone  
2.27.  In 2012, the Gabonese Government, in partnership with OLAM International Ltd., de veloped 
a privileged economic zone (ZERP) in the town of Nkok, consisting of a multisectoral industrial park 
to promote the sustainable production and use of natural resources for local and export markets. 
Extending over 1,126 hectares, the ZERP is connect ed via river transport to the port of Owendo and 
to the Gabonese rail network. Eligibility for the ZERP regime  is open to Gabonese and foreign natural 
or legal persons if they export at least 75 % of their production to other countries, acquire a block of 
land in the zone , prepare a business plan and perform an environmental impact study.  
2.28.  The ZERP offers businesses a unique and competitive fiscal regime, including full exemption 
from the following: income tax on business earnings; custom duties on imports of  industrial 
equipment; property tax; and VAT. Other advantages include the right to repatriate 100 % of capital 
and profits and a single window to facilitate the issuance of permits by all relevant government 
departments and agencies. The single window hand les all permit and approval formalities applicable 
within the zone ( Section  3.2.4).  
2.29.  According to the UNCTAD database on disputes between States and investors, Gabon was 
involved in two such disputes during the review period. One consisted of a mining dispu te with an 
investor who was a national of the United Arab Emirates. In 2018, that case ( Navodaya v. Gabon ) 
was decided in favour of Gabon. The other dispute, decided in favour of a Tunisian investor in 2015, 
related to the construction of low -cost housing on behalf of the Gabonese State.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 235 - 
  2.30.  Table  2.2 describes the investment incentives in force in 2022.  
Table 2.2 Investment incentives, 2022  
Regime for new agricultural, industrial and mining enterprises  
Eligibility requirements:  
 
- at the end of the third fiscal year, the activity must have required fixed and permanent assets equal to 
10 times the amount of profits realized during that same year;  
 
- the business must not consist merely of engaging in one or more existing activities;  
 
- its main objective must not be to compete with activities satisfactorily performed in Gabon by existing 
enterprises ; and,  
 
- it must keep proper accounts in accordance with OHADA accounting standards.  
Advantages:  
 
- Exemption from corporation tax or personal income tax for two years and deductions on taxable profits 
for the following four years.  
 
SME/SMI regime  
Approval requirements:  
 
- the enterprise must be recognized as eligible by the agency responsible for PMEs;  
 
-  it must have a registered office in Gabon;  
 
- it must be dedicated to the production, processing or distribution of goods or the supply of services;  
 
- Gabonese nationals must own the enterprise or a majority of its equity and be responsible for its 
management;  
 
- the investment must not exceed CFAF  1 billion;  
 
- the capital must not exceed CFAF  1 billion;  
 
- annual turnover must not exceed CFAF  2 billion;  
 
- at least 50% of permanent employees must be Gabonese nationals; and  
 
- an investment programme must exist involving, in particular, at least one of the following: the 
establishment, takeover, modernization,  rehabilitation, restructuring, expansion of the activities or 
further training for the staff of an enterprise; or an improvement in working conditions and the quality 
of work.  
  
Advantages:  
 
- access to government SME/SMI funding agencies;  
 
- priority access to the government procurement market;  
 
- exemption from profits tax and customs taxes on inputs for five years;  
 
- preferential pricing for petroleum products and preferential rates for the transport of materials, 
equipment and certain produ cts; 
 
- preferential rates for assistance from any authorized State body; and  
 
- State subsidization of interest rates.  
Source:  Law No.  027/2008 of 22  January  2009. 
 WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 236 - 
  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  
3.1.1   Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
3.1.  Since the previous Review of Gabon's trade policy in 2013, the country's customs procedures 
have remained unchanged and are generally governed by the CEMAC Customs Code. Registration 
requirements for importers are the same for both Gabonese and foreign nat ural and legal persons.  
3.2.  Application  fees are lower for individual undertakings, ranging from CFAF  85,000 to 
CFAF 135,000. Fees for company formation are CFAF  220,000 to CFAF  370,000. For the expedited 
procedure, the fee is CFAF  650,000. The Gabonese author ities have indicated that the fees are not 
linked to nationality, but instead depend on the number of pages of legal documents and the share 
capital of the company.  
3.3.  All importers must be listed in the commercial register and registered with the 
Directorate -General of Taxation.9 The Digital Investment Window, which has existed within the 
National Investment Promotion Agency (ANPI) since 201810, processes applications from operators 
and issues them with a "Single Registration Form". Traders must also present their business licence 
fee (patente ) receipt.  
3.4.  The business licence fee is paid as a fixed levy and, where necessary, an exceptional tariff11, 
depending on the type and location of the business activity. The tax due varies according to whether 
the business is conducted in Libreville, Port -Gentil, Franceville or another municipality or 
department. The business licence fee is paid for the whole year by taxpayers who commence 
business operations during the first quarter of the year; taxpayers who commence business 
operations later in the year are expected to pay only as from the first day of the quarter in which 
they began operations.12 
3.5.  All import s must be the subject of a detailed import declaration issued by the directorate 
responsible for external trade. Depending on the nature of the goods, a simplified declaration may 
suffice to expedite customs clearance. With the launch of the ASYCUDA World platform, a customs 
declaration may be made before the arrival of the goods. The amended CEMAC Customs Code 
adopted in 2019 provides for simplified procedures (in Articles 164 to 166) to replace the fast -track 
clearance procedure.13 
3.6.  Pursuant to Article 148  of the amended CEMAC Customs Code, an approved customs agent 
must perform customs procedures on behalf of the importer. A deposit of CFAF  25 million is required 
for any person wishing to operate as an approved customs agent.  
3.7.  Gabon does not perform pre -shipment inspections. Inspections are conducted by customs 
officers in accordance with the CEMAC Customs Code and national regulations. According to the 
authorities, in 2013, the average clearance time was 24 hours after the customs declaration had 
been submi tted together with all the requisite documents. The average time spent at customs was 
still 24 hours in 2022. New trade facilitation measures are intended to replace the customs clearance 
procedure with the electronic processing of customs documentation th rough ASYCUDA World. The 
use of electronic signatures is not yet accepted and is still in the planning stages.  
3.8.  Computerization has simplified customs procedures. All 12 central customs offices in the 
country are computerized and have migrated from the ASYC UDA++ automated customs system to 
 
9 Ordinance No. 10/89 of 28 September 1989.  
10 Decree No. 00048/PR/MPIPCTI  of 5 February 2018 on the establishment, composition and functioning 
of the ANPI -Gabon Investment Window.  
11 The business licence fee is composed of a fixed levy that is determined either based on a general 
tariff for the professions listed in Table A, or based on an exceptional tariff for those appearing in Tables B 
and C. These Tables are set out in Article 271 of the General Tax Code.  
12 Pursuant to the provisions of Articles 261 and 263 of the General Tax Code.  
13 Order No. 362/MFBP/DG.DDI/DG of 29 Octobe r 1987.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 237 - 
  ASYCUDA World. However, ASYCUDA World has not yet been implemented in two customs offices 
(Oyem and Bitam).  
3.9.  In 2022, nearly 150 operators (approved customs agents and/or consignees) were registered 
in ASYCUDA World, which they used to process imports and exports. All information on import and 
export customs clearance processes can be found on the website of the customs authority.14 In 
2022, over 90 % of customs declarations were processed electronically in accordance with 
Article 156-1 of the amended CEMAC Customs Code of 2019. Gabon adopted a risk management 
system in 2016. The risk management and analysis service is under the authority of the Directorate 
of Customs Inquiries and Disputes.15 
3.10.  Under the Trade Facilitation Agre ement, Gabon made a commitment to apply a system of 
"pre-arrival processing" of goods. Pre -arrival processing is provided for in Article 147 of the CEMAC 
Customs Code. Since ASYCUDA World was launched in 2020, economic operators can submit 
manifests and el ectronic declarations and obtain clearance before the arrival of the goods.  
3.11.  All containers imported into Gabon are scanned, apart from those that are specifically 
exempted, and the associated costs are borne by the importer. The related fees are CFAF  81,50 0 
before tax for a twenty -foot equivalent unit (TEU) container, in accordance with Order 
No. 009/MPEPIP/CAB/DGDDI of 7  April 2015 incorporating container scanners into customs controls.  
3.12.  For all imports, a "detailed declaration" must be submitted with accom panying documentation. 
For sea transport, the documents to be provided are: the supplier's invoice; the freight invoice or 
certificate; the bill of lading; the packing list (optional); the vehicle registration document (for 
vehicles); the insurance certifi cate; the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BIETC) issued by the 
Gabonese Shippers' Council (CGC), the fees for which vary according to the origin of the imports 
(CFAF  20,000 for Central and West Africa, GBP  100 for Europe and North Africa, USD  150 for Asia,  
the Middle East, the Americas, Southern Africa, East Africa and certain West African countries); a 
certificate of non -contamination by radioactivity  for agri -food products; a phytosanitary certificate 
for products of plant origin; and a health certificate  for products of animal origin. The BIETC became 
electronic in 2010.  
3.13.  Other documents may be required to ensure the accuracy of information, notably the 
movement certificate (EUR.1 form for products originating in the European Union) and, for 
dangerous good s, authorizations issued by the Gabonese authorities. Duties and taxes are paid 
either through a clearing credit or directly (in cash or by certified bank cheque).  
3.14.  The CGC requires the basic documents that normally accompany a shipment in international 
trade. A common IT platform for collecting or validating the information provided by the various 
suppliers (public authorities and private operators) does not yet exist in 2022.  
3.15.  For air transport, the required documents are the contract of carriage or air way bill, the 
supplier's invoice, the freight invoice or certificate and the packing list. BIETC administrative fees 
for cargo freight are CFAF  10,000 for Africa, CFAF  15,000 for Europe and CFAF  20,000 for the 
Americas. In the case of express freight, a surcha rge of CFAF  2,000 is levied for all zones.  
3.16.  For land transport, the required documents are the contract of carriage or consignment note, 
the supplier's invoice, the freight invoice or certificate, the vehicle registration document and the 
packing list. BIET C administrative fees range from CFAF  5,000 to CFAF  60,000 for shipments from 
all parts of the world.  
3.17.  Furthermore, the World Bank's Doing Business 2020  report indicates that nine documents 
may be required for customs formalities.16 These are, as required, bill of lading; commercial invoice; 
packing list; BIETC; customs import declaration; certificate of origin; certificates of compliance with 
technical s tandards; market authorization; and SOLAS certificate.  
 
14 Viewed at: www.douanes.ga . 
15 Decree No. 00422/PR/MDDEPIP of 9 August 2016 reorganizing the Directorate -General of Customs 
and Indirect Duties.  
16 Online information in Doing B usiness . Viewed at:  
https://www.doingbusiness.org/content/dam/doingBusiness/country/g/gabon/GAB.pdf . WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 238 - 
  3.18.  By 2021, Gabon had 27 private warehouses and five customs clearance areas distributed 
among Libreville, Franceville and Port -Gentil, in accordance with Articles 106 -109 of the CEMAC 
Customs Code.  
3.19.  The C EMAC Customs Code incorporates the provisions of the WTO Agreement on Customs 
Valuation ( Common Report, Section  3).17 If in doubt about the value of goods, Gabonese customs 
may contact the customs authorities of Belgium, China, France, Morocco or Senegal. Funding for 
customs was increased in 2019.18 Gabon is still experiencing the same difficulties in implementing 
the Agreement. A database is currently being developed using the new ASYCUDA World  customs 
system. However, minimum values are no longer applied to used tyres, second -hand goods or 
vegetable oils imported from Asia.19 Market values are still used for exports of processed wood 
products and for raw products for which it is difficult to produce invoices or receipts in order to apply 
the transaction va lue. For used motor vehicles, the transaction value is applied in accordance with 
Article 1 of the Agreement. The guide list value is used as an indication of market prices. Gabon has 
not yet received technical assistance to build national capacity in this  area. 
3.20.  According to the authorities, Gabon applies the relevant provisions of the CEMAC Customs 
Code for customs disputes. Claims of CFAF  50 million or less are referred to the Director -General of 
Customs. For higher amounts, the Minister responsible for f inance is tasked with settling the dispute. 
Disputes that remain unresolved are referred to the National Arbitration Commission. Judicial review 
is the final avenue of appeal at the national level. The dispute is referred to the CEMAC Arbitration 
Commissio n for arbitration if it involves two or more CEMAC countries ( Common Report, Section  3). 
3.21.  Gabon ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) on 5  December  2016 and notified 
its category A, B and C commitments thereunder.20 Its category A measures are  under Article 2.1 
on the opportunity to comment and information before entry into force; Article 5.2 on the detention 
of goods declared for importation, for inspection; Article 7.1 on pre -arrival processing; Article 7.8 
on expedited shipments; Article 7.9  on perishable goods; Article 9 on the movement of goods 
intended for import under customs control; Article 10.5 on pre -shipment inspection; Article 10.8 on 
rejected goods; and Article 10.9 on the temporary admission of goods and inward and outward 
process ing. 
3.22.  Following the entry into force of the TFA in February  2017, Gabon benefited from the UNCTAD 
Empowerment Programme for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) through three training 
sessions for its members in May  2017, November  2017 and Februar y 2018. Gabon also prepared a 
document assessing its technical and financial assistance needs for the implementation of category 
C measures. An instrument setting up the NTFC for Gabon was adopted by Order No.  0272 
PM/MCPMEI of 3  May 2021 on the establishm ent, powers, organization and functioning of the 
National Trade Facilitation Committee. Lastly, Gabon is up to date with it notifications, having sent 
22 to the WTO in 2017.  
3.1.2   Customs levies  
3.23.  The role of customs as a source of State revenue is so significant (approximately 20 % of the 
total) that it is second only to oil revenue.  
3.24.  In 2018, the Directorate -General of Customs introduced new provisions governing cash 
payment of duties and taxes on imported goods. A joint circular from the Director -General of 
Custom s and the Director -General of Treasury Services states that duties and taxes of up to 
CFAF 7 million may be paid in cash. A certified cheque is required for higher amounts.  
3.1.2.1   Applied MFN tariff  
3.25.  Gabon applies the CEMAC common external tariff (CET) ( Common Rep ort, Section  3), 
although there are exceptions in the form of additions or changes to tariff headings. These 
 
17 Articles 23 and followi ng of the amended CEMAC Customs Code, October 2020 edition.  
18 Budget  Law, 2019.  
19 Order No. 020.22 of 21 March 2022 suspending the application of Order No. 018/21/MER/CABM of 
20 April 2021 establishing the minimum collectable rate of import duties and taxe s on vegetable oils, used 
tyres and second -hand goods.  
20 WTO document WT/PCTF/N/GAB/1 of 21 August 2019.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 239 - 
  exemptions are the result of the Government's sectoral policies and are intended as a response to  
social concerns or requests by economic operators. They take the form of additional codes in the 
customs computer system. They apply to a wide range of products and mostly involve the application 
of lower rates than those of the CET.  
3.26.  The Amending Budget  Law of 2021 abolished all total exemptions  for the agricultural, timber, 
social housing, cement and tourism investment sectors and replaced them with partial exemptions 
at 5%. All these sectors now benefit from the reduced rate of 5 % on imports. The remaining total 
exemptions are those provided fo r in the CET ( Common Report, Section  3.1.3.1). These partial 
exemptions apply to the programme to control the cost of living (17 lines), the timber sector 
(53 lines), sports federations (17 lines), large industrial complexes (48 lines) and agriculture 
(581 lines). The total exemptions still in force are for medicines and medical equipment (400 lines).  
3.27.  The cost -of-living programme was launched in 2012. It enables the State to support the most 
disadvantaged groups of the population through exemptions from cus toms duties and taxes on basic 
foodstuffs. Nine product groups (corresponding to 192 tariff lines) were selected for tariff reduction, 
namely meat, poultry, fish; canned fish; canned vegetables; oil and fat, margarine; pasta, including 
spaghetti; dairy pro ducts (Nestlé); rice; fruit and vegetables; other products (sugar and oil). During 
the first phase (2012 -18), between 171 and 192 products were concerned; during the second phase 
(2019 -21), 23 tariff lines for 58 products were covered; for the third phase (from 2022 onwards), 
the exemptions cover 17 tariff lines for 48 products, with taxation shifting from exemption from 
duties and taxes to an overall reduced rate of 5 %.21 Oil has not been reclassified; it was removed 
from the cost -of-living programme durin g the second phase.  
3.28.  The number of tariff lines for which the rates applied differ from the CET increased from 163 
in 2013 to 186 in 2019.22 
3.1.2.2   Other import duties and taxes  
3.29.  A computer fee (RUSID) proportional to the time the system is actually used is levied per 
declaration, regardless of the customs procedure.23 The temporary 20 % surcharge on wheat flour 
imports has not been applied since January  2023. In addition, the authorities indicated that, in 2022, 
the scanning fee for containers that are scanned will be CFAF  81,500 excluding tax per TEU. In 2017, 
Gabon introduced two new taxes:  
• the Special Solidarity Contribution at a rate of 1 % for natural or legal persons with a 
turnover of CFAF  30 million or more. The proceeds will be used to finance the Gabon 
Indigents Scheme;  
• a 0.2% tax on imports to fund the African Union.  
3.30.  At the CEMAC level, the following taxes are levied: the Community Integration Tax on behalf 
of CEMAC at a rate of 1 % on imports from non -CEMAC  countries; the Community Integration 
Contribution of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) at the rate of 0.4 %, 
applicable to imports from non -ECCAS countries; and the 0.05 % OHADA levy ( Common Report, 
Section  3). 
3.1.2.3   Internal taxes  
3.31.  In gener al, Gabon applies the harmonized (at Community level) elements of the VAT and 
excise duty regimes. Gabon's General Tax Code, deriving from Law No.  027/2008 of 
22 January  2009, was updated on 11  January  2021. As with locally produced goods and services, 
imports are subject to VAT at the standard rate of 18 %. However, some products are subject to 
reduced rates of 10 %, 5% or zero, or are exempt; the zero rate entitles the taxpayer to a refund of 
VAT already charged on inputs used in the production of the good in question (Table 3.1). Moreover, 
 
21 Budget  Law, 2022.  
22 Rates are lower than those of the CET on 158 tariff lines, largely covering chemicals, fishery products 
and other manufactured go ods; they are higher than those of the CET on 28 tariff lines, including chemicals, 
coffee, tea, timber, paper and textiles.  
23 The RUSID is provided for in Article 6 -3 of the CEMAC Customs Code.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 240 - 
  some local products remain exempt from VAT, unlike imports of those products (Table 3.2). The VAT 
and excise duty regimes, including the taxable amount, are covered in the common report.  
3.32.  Changes have been made to VAT -exem pt products in the 2022 Budget  Laws. Basic necessities 
that were previously exempt are now taxed at 5 %. However, the 2023 Finance Bill envisages 
restoring them to full exemption on the recommendation of the Ministry of the Economy. The 
Amending Budget  Law of 2021 also changed the reduced rate for cement from 5 % to the reduced 
rate of 10 % at which it is now taxed.  
Table 3.1 VAT exemptions and reduced rates in Gabon, 2022  
Rate (VAT)  Products  
Exempteda • Raw food products: groundnuts; coffee; cocoa; pork; beef; mutton; chicken; 
duck and other poultry; fresh and frozen fish; cassava; plantains and bananas; 
yams; taro; potatoes; various fruits and vegetables;  
• All forms of milk; margarine; butter; yogurt; newsp apers; newsprint; school 
exercise books and textbooks; bread; flour; yeast; gluten; eggs; rice; medicines; 
pharmaceutical products; tinned sardines; tinned mackerel; pasta; locally 
produced table oils ; salt; 
• Capital goods for agricultural and livestock a ctivities, excluding forestry and 
fishing;  
• Agricultural fertilizers and plant protection products;  
• Construction work, materials and related services;  
• Imports of fishing boats and aircraft.  
10% • Mineral water produced in Gabon; sugar; washing powder; concrete reinforcing 
bars; desktop and laptop computers; fishing equipment; outboard motors; spare 
parts for automobiles; automobile axles; building tiles; steel tips; raincoats; 
tomato concentrate; tinned dried and green vegetables; tinned fruit;  
• The following imported products: meat and poultry; cooking oil; groundnuts;  
• Cement sales and service operations.  
Zero • Exports; international transport, refuelling and maintenance and repair operations 
carried out on aircraft and ships used in international traffic.  
a The "basic necessities" exempted in the table are now taxed at 5 % in accordance with the 
2022 Budget  Law. 
Source:  General Tax Code, 2017 edition.  
Table 3.2 Differences in internal taxation of imported and local products, 2022  
Product  VAT (local products)  VAT (imports)  
Groundnuts  0 10 
Coffee  0 18 
Cocoa  0 18 
Pork, beef, mutton and other meat  0 10 
Chicken  0 10 
Duck and poultry  0 10 
Eggs 0 18 
Fresh, frozen, smoked, salted fish  0 18 
Cassava  0 18 
Plantains  0 18 
Bananas  0 18 
Yams, taro, potatoes  0 18 
Various fruits and vegetables  0 18 
Table oil  0 10 
Mineral waters  10 18 
Note:  Does not include VAT exemptions or the lower VAT rate for products made by local companies under 
customs taxation agreements (for example, SIGALI, SUCAF -Gabon, etc.).  
Source:  General Tax Code, 2017 edition.  
3.33.  Gabon continues to levy excise duties on some pro ducts (Table 3.3). Under the General Tax 
Code, the tax base for locally produced products is the ex -factory price before tax, with a 30 % 
deduction, whereas the tax base for imported products is the customs value plus the duties and 
taxes collected at the c ustoms cordon, with the exception of VAT. The proceeds of these duties are WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 241 - 
  intended for the National Sports Development Fund. Article 8 of CEMAC Directive 
No. 03/19 -UEAC -010A-CM-33 harmonizing the legislation of member States on excise duties defines 
the rates and assessment of duties and imposes a minimum collectable rate per product for ad 
valorem  duties. However, "member States are free to combine ad valorem  taxation with specific 
taxation". The 2018 Budget  Law proposed solutions to Gabon's distortions r elative to the CEMAC 
range provided for excise duties. Although the Budget  Law of 2018 reduced excise duty rates, it also 
introduced a specific tax on products.  
Table 3.3 Excise duties, 2021  
Products  Ad valorem  rate Specific tax  
Local beers  22% CFAF 20 per litre  
Imported beers  25% CFAF 180 per litre  
Local wines  22% CFAF 100 per litre  
Imported wine whose price is below CFAF  50,000  25% CFAF 500 per litre  
Imported wine whose price is above CFAF  50,000  40% CFAF 3,000 per litre  
Champagnes whose price is below CFAF  50,000  25% CFAF 500 per litre  
Champagnes whose price is above CFAF  50,000  40% CFAF 3,000 per litre  
Other local beverages with alcohol content of 
above 12% by volume  25% CFAF 500 per litre  
Other imported beverages with alcohol content 
of above 12% by volume  30% CFAF 500 per litre  
Sweetened beverages and other beverages with 
alcohol content of below 12% by volume  5%  
Cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, tobacco  32% CFAF 150 per packet  
Games of chance  5% CFAF 100,000 per device operated  
Perfumes and cosmetics  25%  
Caviar, foie gras  40%  
Salmon  30%   
Mobile telephone activities (calls)  5%  
Source:  General Tax Code, 2021 edition.  
3.34.  By discriminating against imported products in its levying of VAT and excise duty, Gabon is 
breaching the WTO principle of national treatment. According to the authorities, the aim of these 
measures is to encourage domestic production.  
3.1.3   Bindin gs 
3.35.  Gabon bound all its tariff lines during the Uruguay Round. Since its last Review, it has 
renegotiated its tariff commitments under Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and 
Trade (GATT  1947) in order to significantly reduce the number of ta riff lines whose applied rates are 
higher than its commitments. In general, Gabon's objective has been to bring its bound rates into 
line with the CEMAC CET rates. The renegotiation covered 4,705 tariff lines, about 73 % of the total 
number of lines in Gabo n's 2007 Harmonized System (HS) bound list. It resulted in rectifications to 
Gabon's list of concessions, which were approved by all WTO Members and certified in May  2017.24 
3.36.  Bound duties have been reduced for 2,554 tariff lines to compensate for the increa se for 2,151 
lines. The 47 agricultural lines concerned, which were bound at 60 %, have all had their duties 
reduced and are now bound at 40 % and 45 %. For non -agricultural products, bound duties on 
renegotiated lines have increased on average. The sector re cording the biggest increase was 
clothing, where the average bound rate doubled from 15 % to 30%. Significant increases were also 
seen in the timber and paper, fish and fish products and other manufactured products industries, 
where the average bound rate r ose from 15 % to almost 24 %. Oil recorded the biggest decline, with 
the average bound rate falling from 15 % to 10 %. Other sectors for which the average bound rate 
decreased were chemicals and non -electrical machinery (Table 3.4).  
 
24 WTO document WT/Let/1261 of 22 May 2017.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  Table 3.4 Certification of modifications and rectifications (WT/Let/1261)  
 After WT/Let/1261  Tariff analysis based on national bound tariffs  
Number of tariff lines at 
eight -digit level  After WT/Let/1261  Before WT/Le t/1261  
Reduced 
taxes  Increased 
taxes  Total  Simple 
average of 
bound rates 
(%) Range of 
bound rates 
(%) Simple 
average of 
bound rates 
(%) Range of 
bound rates 
(%) 
WT/Let/1261a 2,554  2,151  4,705b 18.0 5-45 15.5 15-60 
Agriculture  47  
47 40.4 40-45 60.0 60.0 
Non-agricultural 
products  2,507  2,151  4,658  17.7 5-30 15.0 15-18.1 
Fruits, 
vegetables, 
plants  16 0 16 40.0 40.0 60.0 60.0 
Coffee, tea  3 0 3 40.0 40.0 60.0 60.0 
Cereals and 
other 
preparations  13 0 13 40.4 40-45 60.0 60.0 
Oilseeds, fats 
and oils 4 0 4 40.0 40.0 60.0 60.0 
Sugar and 
confectionery  2 0 2 40.0 40.0 60.0 60.0 
Beverages and 
tobacco  5 0 5 43.0 40-45 60.0 60.0 
Other 
agricultural 
products  4 0 4 40.0 40.0 60.0 60.0 
Fishing and fish 
products  2 144 146 23.8 10-30 15.0 15.0 
Metals and 
minerals  537 421 958 17.1 5-30 15.0 15.0 
Chemicals  774 96 870 11.6 5-30 15.0 15-18.1 
Wood, paper, 
etc. 111 282 393 23.9 5-30 15.0 15.0 
Textiles  231 369 600 19.6 5-30 15.0 15.0 
Clothing  0 219 219 30.0 30.0 15.0 15.0 
Leather, shoes, 
etc. 71 88 159 20.8 5-30 15.0 15.0 
Non-electrical 
machinery  460 94 554 12.4 5-30 15.0 15.0 
Electrical 
machinery  128 121 249 16.8 10-30 15.0 15.0 
Transport 
equipment  82 69 151 16.6 5-30 15.0 15.0 
Other 
manufactured 
articles n.e.s.  90 248 338 23.5 5-30 15.0 15.0 
Oil 21 0 21 10.0 10.0 15.0 15.0 
a The table shows only the tariff lines for which levies have been modified.  
b It represents around 73 % of total tariff lines (based on the 2007 HS bound list).  
Note:  The calculations were based on a comparison between document WT/Let/1261 (HS 2007) and the 
tariff structure of the national bound tariff (HS 2007).  
Source:  Calculations by the WTO Secretariat, based on the Consolidated Tariff Schedules Database.  
3.37.  Gabon's schedule of concessions was transpo sed into the 2007 version and then into the 
2012 version of the HS. These schedules were certified in 2013 and 2019 as part of the transposition 
exercise undertaken by the WTO Secretariat.25 
3.38.  At present, although Gabon has renegotiated its bound rights, the re are still 10 tariff lines for 
which the rates applied exceed the bound rates. These include fats and oils of marine mammals; 
opium and cinchona alkaloids; polymer -based paints and varnishes; twisted or cabled yarns; dyed 
synthetic fibre fabrics; and par ts and accessories for photographic or cinematographic laboratories 
(Table 3.5).  
 
25 WTO documents WT/Let/926 of 9 December 2013 and WT/Let/1428 of 17 March 2019.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  3.39.  Other duties and taxes are bound at 18 % for all tariff lines, with the exception of Chapter 19 
on cereal -based preparations and pastries, for which they are bound at 9 %. Gabon  has included VAT 
in these other duties and taxes.  
Table 3.5 Duties applied by Gabon exceeding bound rates, 2019  
HS Product description  Duties applied by 
Gabon (2019)  Bound rates 
(%) 
15043000  Fats and oils and their fractions, of marine mammals  30 15 
29391900  Alkaloids of opium and their derivatives; salts thereof: 
concentrates of poppy straw  10 5 
29392000  Alkaloids of cinchona and their derivatives; salts 
thereof  10 5 
3208 Paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers or 
modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a 
non-aqueous medium; solutions defined in Note 4 to 
this Chapter.    
32081000  Polyester -based  30 5 
32089000  Other  30 5 
3209 Paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers or 
modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an 
aqueous medium.    
32091000  Based on acrylic or vinyl polymers  30 5 
32099000  Other  30 5 
52053100  Measuring per single yarn 714.29 decitex  or more (not 
exceeding 14 metric number per single yarn)  20 10 
55132100  Dyed: of polyester staple fibres, plain weave  20 10 
90109000  Parts and accessories for apparatus and equipment  for 
photographic or cinematographic laboratories, 
negatoscopes and projection screens  20 10 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data supplied by the national authorities and the WTO, 
Consolidated Tariff Schedules Database.  
3.1.4   Preferences  
3.40.  Gabon gr ants tariff preferences to other CEMAC members ( Common Report, Sections  2.3.2, 
2.3.3 and 3.1.3.4).  
3.1.5   Duty and tax exemptions and concessions  
3.41.  Exemptions from customs duties and taxes are granted under the CEMAC Customs Code 
(Common Report, Section  3). In addi tion, exemptions from customs duties and taxes are still 
granted to approved enterprises under the special SME/SMI regime, the Forestry Code and the 
regime applicable to investment in tourism, as well as to companies engaged in oil prospecting and 
explorat ion operations, and to various companies under customs taxation agreements. To reduce 
the high cost of living, a list of basic goods to benefit from exemption from customs duties and taxes 
on import was established by Order No.  0042/MEPPDPIPP/CAB of 13  May 2019. In 2022, Gabon 
moved from exemptions to a reduced rate of 5 % on imports of basic foodstuffs.26 
3.42.  All exceptional exemptions are prohibited. The 2018 and 2019 Budget  Laws abolished all 
exemptions with no consideration for the State. Only exemptions with a legal basis (granted by a 
Budget  Law, the Tax Code, an agreement, a public procurement contract or other contract) are 
valid.27 The revenue foregone because of exemptions rose from around CFAF  85 billion in 2007 to 
almost CFAF  228 billion in 2012. An impact study is currently under way to assess the revenue 
shortfall in 2021.  
 
26 Budget  Law of 2022 and Order No. 051.22/MER/MCPME/MAA of 15 September 2022 listing the 
imported basic foodstuffs subject to the overall reduced rate of 5 % and the price cap.  
27 Article 42 of Law No. 2/92 -UDEAC -556 of 30 April 1992.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  3.1.6   Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.43.  The pr oducts whose import may be prohibited or restricted have not changed since the last 
Review. There is still a ban on importing weapons of war, ammunition for such weapons, and 
narcotics. An authorization from the President of the Republic is required to imp ort sidearms, and 
imports of hunting weapons and ammunition must be authorized by the Ministry of the Interior.  
3.44.  Gabonese legislation makes certain products or articles subject to market authorization.28 
Similarly, certain food products (plant and animal) a nd pharmaceutical products must be examined 
in order to issue a sanitary or phytosanitary certificate, as appropriate. These documents are issued 
by the Director -General of Competition and Consumption and are intended to ensure that the 
Gabonese authoritie s can control the quality of products imported into their territory. Imports of 
plant products and by -products, meat products and by -products29 are subject to an annual import 
authorization. The import and marketing of iodized salt requires a special autho rization issued by 
the Directorate -General of Trade.30 Special authorization is required for the import of 
telecommunications equipment.31 
3.45.  Gabon continues to impose prohibitions and restrictions pursuant to the multilateral 
environmental agreements it has signed.32 Within the country, hunting permits must conform to the 
provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 
According to the authorities, this rule consequently also applies to official exports of hu nting trophies.  
3.46.  In accordance with the common framework adopted by the CEMAC member countries, Gabon 
regulates the introduction into its customs territory of products containing ozone -depleting 
substances (ODS) and equipment powered by ODS.33 It also appli es the Rotterdam Convention on 
the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in 
International Trade, and the Chemical Weapons Convention. Implementation of the Stockholm 
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is u nder way. Gabon ratified the Basel Convention on 
the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal on 6 June 2008. 
The import of non -recyclable plastics is also banned, except with special authorization, by Order 
No. 1489/MECIT/ CAB of 16  June 2010. This Order seeks to preserve the environment and protect 
the population.34 
3.47.  Gabon has notified the WTO of the elimination of all quantitative import restrictions, with the 
exception of granulated sugar, for which the prohibition was ext ended until the end of 201435 and 
again until 17  September  2020. The sugar production and import monopoly granted to SUCAF has 
enabled, among other things, the price per kilogram of sugar to be stabilized at CFAF  780 since 2012 
and at CFAF  925 since Septem ber 2022. It is also forbidden to import and market cooking pots and 
other utensils made from recycled materials.36 In addition, the cement import monopoly held by 
CIMGABON was granted to CIMAF for a period of two years, ending in 2019.  
 
28 Order No. 00025/MEFBP/DGCC of 23 January 2007 laying down the rules of procedure governing the 
issuance of market authorizations. Viewed at: https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX -
FAOC188922 /. 
29 Order No. 0025/MPE/CAB/SG/AGASA of 11 August 2016 setting forth the arrangements for the import 
of meat product s and by -products.  
30 Decree No. 032/PR/MSP of 22 January 2004 setting forth the conditions for the production, import 
and marketing of edible salt in Gabon; Orders No. 0028/MCDIN/CAB/SG/DGC and 
No. 0029/MCDIN/CAB/SG/DGC of 2 December 2004 on the import and  marketing of iodized salt in the 
Gabonese Republic; Order No. 00025/MEFBP/DGCC of 23 January 2007 laying down the rules of procedure 
governing the issuance of market authorizations.  
31 Order No. 000198/MENCP/MPMEAC/MEEDD of 20 February 2013 laying down the  procedure for 
importing telecommunications equipment into the Gabonese Republic; and Order 
No. 00308/MENP/MCPMEADS/MCRIC -PG laying down the minimum technical specifications for digital 
televisions and decoders for Digital Terrestrial Television (5TNT) in the Gabonese Republic.  
32 Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators.  
33 Order No. 000681/MEFEPEPN/MCDIIR/MEFBP of 16 September 2003.  
34 Order No. 1489/MECIT/CAB of 16 June 2010 prohibiting the importation and sale of non -recyclable 
plastic bags in the Ga bonese Republic.  
35 WTO document G/LIC/N/1/GAB/3 of 4 June 2013 and Decree No. 0538/PR/MCDI/MEFBPIP of 
5 September 2009.  
36 Order No. 1673/MECIT/CAB of 9 July 2010 prohibiting the import and sale of cooking pots and other 
equipment made from recycled materia ls in the Gabonese Republic.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  3.48.  As notified to the WTO, Gabon no longer imposes import licences.37 
3.1.7   Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  
3.49.  Gabon notified the WTO in February  2011 that it has no specific law on anti -dumping practices, 
safeguards, subsidies or countervailing measures.38 To date,  it has taken no action on these 
measures. According to the authorities, legislation on these measures is currently being drafted.  
3.1.8   Other measures affecting imports  
3.50.  Gabon does not maintain any local content requirements to gain advantages or provide 
incenti ves with a view to promoting the consumption or use of local goods and services.  
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  
3.2.1   Customs procedures and requirements  
3.51.  Exports of goods for commercial purposes are subject to the same registration formalities as 
imports. A ll exports must be the subject of a "detailed declaration", accompanied by a health 
certificate and a certificate of origin, if required by the importing country. Expedited clearance under 
the simplified export declaration scheme is available to certain ex porters. Gabon has not yet 
implemented the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. A privileged partnership pilot 
programme is being set up to test the AEO programme. A document showing the foreign exchange 
commitment, endorsed by the bank with which  the transaction is domiciled, is required for all export 
transactions. According to the authorities, the average time for customs procedures at export is 
24 hours.  
3.52.  The BIETC administrative fee for export is CFAF  2,500 for all zones worldwide and for sea, air 
and road transport. For export express freight, a fee of CFAF  1,000 is added for all zones.  
3.2.2   Export duties and taxes  
3.53.  Gabon has abolished most of its export duties and taxes. However, manganese is subject to 
an export tax of 3.5 % of its reference value. Gold is subject to an export tax of 3 %. Wood products 
that have undergone primary processing are subject to an export duty of 7.5 %; products that have 
undergone secondary processing are subject to an export duty of 3 %; and products  that have 
undergone tertiary processing are not subject to an export duty.39 Exit duties and taxes in Gabon 
generally range from zero to 7.5 %. Other duties and taxes are levied by the relevant technical 
administrative bodies (Mines40, Water Resources and Forestry).  
3.54.  On 3 February  2018, the Council of Ministers decided to prohibit the exploitation of Kevazingo 
trees by prohibiting the felling of Kevazingo and classifying it as unexploitable. This decision came 
into force with Decree No.  00099/PR/MFE of 19  March 2018 granting protected status to Kevazingo. 
With regard to gold exports, a new mining code was adopted in 2019, and the export duty rate 
varies between 0 % and 3 % depending on the agreements binding the mining operator and the State 
and on the degree o f processing.  
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.55.  Gabon banned all rough wood  exports in 2010 to promote the local processing of wood.  
3.56.  There are special formalities for the export of certain products. Thus, a hunting permit is 
required to expo rt the carcasses and trophies of common game hunted. The holders of permits for 
operating hydrocarbon deposits may export their output freely. Pursuant to the Mining Code and its 
 
37 WTO document G/LIC/N/1/GAB/3 of 4 June 2013.  
38 WTO documents G/ADP/N/1/GAB/2; G/SCM/N/1/GAB/2; and G/SG/N/1/GAB/2 of 3 March 2011.  
39 Articles 9 and 10 of Budget  Law No. 019/2020 of 17 July 2020.  
40 Law No. 17/2014 of 30 January 2015 regulating the mining sector in the Gabonese Republic; 
Law No. 037/2018 of 11 June 2019 regulating the mining sector in the Gabonese Republic.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 246 - 
  implementing decree41, mining products may be freely exported if the mining c ompany holds an 
operating permit or a concession for the mining product concerned; if this is not the case, an export 
authorization issued by the Minister responsible for mining is required. The export of precious 
substances requires a certificate of origi n issued by the Ministry responsible for mining at a cost of 
CFAF 1,000,000 for diamonds and CFAF  500,000 for other precious substances.  
3.57.  A special authorization is required for the export of ferrous and non -ferrous scrap. It is issued 
by the Directorate -General of Trade, on the technical advice of the Directorate -General of Industry 
and the Environment. An instrument amending the regulations governing the export and use of 
ferrous and non -ferrous scrap is at the signature stage.42 
3.2.4   Export support and promoti on 
3.58.  Created in 2014, ANPI replaced the Investment and Export Promotion Agency. ANPI is a public 
administrative body attached to the Office of the President of Gabon and placed under the technical 
supervision of the Ministry responsible for sustainable devel opment, the economy, investment 
promotion and planning.43 It began operating in 2018 and seeks to assist the Government in 
implementing its investment and export promotion policy.  
3.59.  ANPI's export development office informs Gabonese economic operators of oppo rtunities in 
foreign markets through various communication media (website, newsletter, publications, mailing), 
personalized services and information seminars. Information is available on markets and sectors; 
international trade fairs and exhibitions; and e xport incentives. The role of the United States African 
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Resource Unit is to help Gabonese exporters to benefit from 
trade preferences under AGOA. However, according to the authorities, exports under AGOA remain 
low, owing in particular to limited national production capacity resulting from, among other things, 
the high cost of production factors; companies' financial constraints; inadequate knowledge of 
United  States market requirements; and the limited availability and hig h cost of sea freight to the 
United  States.  
3.60.  Several programmes have been set up within ANPI since 2019 to strengthen exporters' 
capabilities and provide assistance in bringing exports into line with international standards, 
including the export company upg rading programme, which aims to develop the export capacities 
of SMEs through the implementation of a strengthening plan including, among other measures, 
export training, adaptation of the product tool to meet international market requirements, and 
interna tional marketing techniques; and the company and product compliance programme, which 
aims to standardize companies and their products in order to enhance the presence of Gabonese 
products in foreign markets through the standardization of companies to inter national standards and 
the standardization of products according to international requirements.  
3.61.  Products of third -stage timber processing are exempt from exit duties in order to encourage 
the industrialization of the timber sector.44 According to Chapter 3 , Article 11 of Law No.  019/2020 
of 17 July 2020, third -stage processing products are those presented in the following forms: sculpted 
objects, musical instruments and components thereof, furniture and components thereof, joinery 
(frames, doors, windows, c omponents of frames and windows), finished strips and profiles (parquet 
flooring, cladding), marquetry, panels (solid, particleboard, fibreboard, OSB, plywood, slats), pallets 
and crates, worktops, industrial trusses, poles, posts, shaped railway sleepers (drilled, notched and 
chamfered), paper, gun barrels and bagged charcoal.  
3.62.  Exports are eligible for the zero VAT rate regime. Under this regime, VAT on inputs is refunded 
at the request of the economic operators concerned; the repayment period is three mont hs. 
3.63.  In 2010, a partnership was signed between the Gabonese Government and the Singaporean 
firm Olam with the aim of setting up the Nkok Special Economic Zone (SEZ), 27 kilometres from 
Libreville. The SEZ is an integrated, multisectoral industrial park cove ring 1,126 hectares, of which 
 
41 Law No. 05 -2000 of 12 October 2000, as amended; and the decree implementing the Mining Code.  
42 Order No. 0016/MPMEAC/MIM/MEEDD of 7 August 2013 regulating the marketing and artisanal and 
industrial exploitation of ferrous and non -ferrous scrap in the Gabonese Republic.  
43 Article 2 of Decree No. 0311/PR/MPIHAT creating and organizing ANPI; Article 3 of Decree 
No. 0169/PR/MDDEPIP establishing the statutes of ANPI.  
44 Law No. 019/2020 of 17 July 2020, Chapter 3: Export duties on processed wood products.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  550 hectares have been developed to date. It promotes the sustainable production and exploitation 
of natural resources for both local and export markets. An initial investment of USD  240 million was 
required to set up the Zone , which has welcomed 143 investors and counting from 17 different 
countries.  
3.64.  The SEZ benefits from a particularly favourable tax and customs regime, enabling investors 
involved in natural resource processing to enjoy total exemption from corporate income t ax for the 
first 10 years and then a reduced rate of 10 % for the next five years. On the customs front, they 
benefit from total exemption from customs duties and taxes on imported goods and equipment 
(Section  2.4.2).  
3.65.  According to the CEMAC Commission's Tra de Policy Monitoring Table (regional summary), in 
the case of iron, companies based in Nkok benefit from a waiver of the specific export quota for the 
local market, as follows: 25 % of production is destined for the local market and subject to duties 
and ta xes; 75 % is destined for the foreign market.45 
3.66.  In February  2020, the SEZ was reorganized, resulting in the creation of three distinct hubs: 
Arise Port & Logistics (Arise P&L), Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms and Arise Infrastructure 
Services. The Zone also changed its name to Arise. Arise P&L now  includes A.P. Moller Capital, 
Olam International  and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). The AFC has announced additional 
investment of EUR  48 million, increasing its stake in Arise P&L from 21 % to 26%, with 43 % of assets 
held by A.P. Moller Capital and  31% by Olam. The focus will be on investment and ecosystem 
expansion in existing mineral and general cargo ports.  
3.67.  Gabon's SEZs are governed by Laws No.  010/2011 of 18  July 2011 regulating privileged 
economic zones (ZERPs) in the Gabonese Republic and No.  036/2018 of 8  February  2019 regulating 
special investment zones (ZISs). Consequently, in Gabon, an SEZ is either a ZERP or a ZIS.  
3.68.  ZERPs are developed areas of the national customs territory where industrial, commercial and 
service activities are carried ou t. ZISs are spaces dedicated to the establishment of industrial, 
commercial, agricultural, technological, tourist, research and educational activities, and of services. 
Their purpose is to promote investment in specific priority sectors.  
3.69.  Investors admitted  to an SEZ are subject to a special commercial, tax, customs and corporate 
regime. They are required to export 75 % of their production and may sell up to 25 % of their goods 
domestically without losing the benefit of the exemptions and advantages provided f or by law. 
However, if local sales exceed the permitted 25 % limit, they will be subject to the taxes and customs 
duties applicable in Gabon.  
3.70.  According to the CEMAC Commission's Trade Policy Monitoring Table (regional summary), 
companies located in ZISs may  sell only 25 % of their production on the domestic market. These 
sales are subject to customs duties.46 
3.2.5   Export finance, insurance, and guarantees  
3.71.  Gabon has not established an export guarantee mechanism.  
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.72.  The 2013 Budget  Law reduced the rate of corporation tax in Gabon from 35 % to 30 % for 
companies in the non -oil and non -mining sectors and to 25 % for: 
• companies holding intellectual property rights;  
 
45 CEMAC Commission, Trade Policy Monitoring Table (regional summary).  
46 Law No. 036/2019 of 8 February 20 19 regulating special investment zones (implementing decree 
pending).  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 248 - 
  • the Gabonese Development Bank;  
• property developm ent companies authorized to develop urban building land and to build 
affordable housing;  
• public institutions;  
• non-profit associations and communities; and  
• tourism -sector companies approved jointly by the Minister responsible for tourism and the 
Minister re sponsible for finance.  
3.73.  A special tax regime was introduced in 2011 for companies that are members of a provident 
group, providing in particular for taxation of intra -group capital gains at a reduced rate of 20 %, 
exemption from tax on intra -group dividends,  taxation of dividends distributed by the lead company 
to its shareholders at a reduced rate of 10 % and exemption from withholding tax on sums paid by 
a Gabonese company to a foreign company as remuneration for intra -group transactions.  
3.74.  Under the General T ax Code, new companies engaged in an industrial, mining, agricultural, 
forestry or artisanal fishing activity approved by the Director -General of Taxation may benefit from 
the following preferential tax regime during their first five financial years: an ex emption from 
corporation tax for the first financial year, a 50 % tax rebate on profits for the second financial year 
and accelerated depreciation on capital goods.  
3.75.  A new special tax and customs regime was also introduced in 2012 to encourage the 
constructi on and operation of cement plants in Gabon. It includes an exemption from customs duties 
on the import of materials required to build the plant; an exemption from all taxes during the 
investment phase; and an exemption from corporation tax and VAT on the p urchase of raw materials 
for the first seven years of operation of the cement plant.  
3.76.  Gabon's most recent notification to the WTO on subsidies and aid covers the period from 2001 
to 2010 and indicates that no aid or subsidies contrary to its obligations und er the Agreement on 
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures were granted during that period.47 According to the 
authorities, this information also applies to subsequent years.  
3.77.  Other support measures are provided to companies approved under the SME/SMI regime , the 
Forestry Code, the Mining Code, the oil prospecting and exploration regime, or the special regime 
for tourism investment. During the oil or mining exploration phase, temporarily imported equipment 
benefits from the normal temporary admission regime. During the exploitation phase, such 
equipment benefits from the special temporary admission regime. Since 2012 -13, the State had 
granted total exemption from customs duties to companies approved under the SME/SMI regime, 
the Forestry Code or the tourism in vestment regime. The 2022 Budget  Law replaced this exemption 
with a reduced rate of 5 % on imports.  
3.3.2   Standardization, accreditation, and certification  
3.78.  In June  2015, Gabon submitted two notifications to the WTO under Article 10.6 of the 
WTO Technical Barriers  to Trade (TBT) Agreement. The first related to the adoption of Decree 
No. 0341/PR/MIM of 28  February  2013 establishing the National Conformity Assessment System; 
the second related to Order No.  17/MMIT establishing the conditions for the application of co nformity 
assessment. The national enquiry point for TBTs submitted to the WTO is the Gabonese Standards 
Agency (AGANOR), and the Ministry responsible for trade and industry is the notification authority.48 
3.79.  In June  2014, AGANOR  was created as the national b ody for standardization, conformity 
assessment and metrology49, replacing the Standardization and Technology Transfer Agency. 
AGANOR is an industrial and administrative public body under the technical supervision of the 
 
47 WTO document G/SCM/N/186/GAB of 12 July 2010.  
48 WTO documents G/TBT/N/GAB/1 and G/TBT/N/GAB/2 of 25 June 2015.  
49 Decree No. 0227/PR/MIMT of 23 June 2014 establishing and organizing the  Gabonese Standards 
Agency; Decree No. 326/PR/MMIT of 2 July 2015 supplementing certain provisions of Decree 
No. 227/PR/MIMT.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 249 - 
  Minister responsible for industry. I t has legal personality and autonomy over its administrative and 
financial management. Its mission is to promote quality in Gabon; train and support Gabonese 
companies in quality procedures; draft, approve and disseminate Gabonese standards; manage the 
National Conformity Assessment System and the National Metrology System; manage the 
WTO's  national TBT enquiry point; manage the CEMAC metrology focal point; and represent Gabon 
in international standardization bodies. AGANOR has a board of directors, a direc torate -general and 
an accounting agency.  
3.80.  In 2015, AGANOR set up the Gabon Conformity Assessment Programme (PROGEC) to protect 
local consumers by ensuring that all raw materials and regulated products imported into the country 
meet the relevant required sta ndards and technical regulations.50 The key functions of PROGEC are 
physical inspection prior to shipment; sampling, testing and analysis in accredited laboratories; 
auditing of product manufacturing processes; documentary control of compliance with standa rds; 
and assessment of compliance with standards. The products subject to standards conformity 
assessment are subdivided into construction materials; electrical and electronic appliances; and 
cosmetics, medical and surgical appliances and toys. Although th e relevant decree was issued on 
18 March  2015, conformity assessment did not come into force until 1  January  2016.  
3.81.  AGANOR has appointed INTERTEK, Bureau Veritas, SGS Inspection and COTECNA as the 
bodies responsible for the PROGEC programme, operating in al l supply countries. All shipments are 
subject to PROGEC inspection and must obtain a certificate of conformity issued by the certification 
bodies. The certificate is a required document for customs clearance in Gabon; shipments arriving 
in Gabon without th is document will be refused entry into the country.  
3.82.  AGANOR  coordinates all activities related to the adoption of standards and technical 
regulations. Upon receipt of an application for the introduction of a standard, it forwards the files to 
the relevant technical committee. In 2019, there were four technical com mittees dealing with 
agri-foods; construction and civil engineering; forestry and timber; and tourism and related 
activities. In fields where there is no technical committee, AGANOR may set up an ad hoc  technical 
committee to deal with an application for t he development of a standard. The technical committees 
are responsible not only for developing standards but also for withdrawing them should the need 
arise. Draft standards go through a public enquiry phase, during which amendments are sought from 
relevan t stakeholders. They are published on the AGANOR website. Following this phase, the 
standards are adopted by the technical committees. Lastly, they are published in the Official Journal 
by order of the Minister responsible for industry.  
3.83.  In Gabon, the follo wing products are subject to specific standards: (1) building materials (in 
accordance with chapters 28, 29, 31, 32, 35, 38, 39, 40, 44, 45, 46, 68, 69, 70 and 72 to 83 of the 
customs classification); (2) electrical and electronic appliances (in accordance  with chapters 84, 
85 and 94 of the customs classification); and (3) cosmetics, medical and surgical appliances and 
toys (in accordance with chapters 33, 34, 90 and 95 of the customs classification).  
3.84.  Gabon has implemented Law No.  06 organizing the standard ization process.51 From 2019 to 
2022, Gabon will have 915 standards in force, of which 28 are mandatory and 88 4 are voluntary. 
These standards are prepared by technical committees as follows: 332 standards in the field of 
electrotechnology; 85 in the field  of food; 34 in the field of building and civil engineering; 23 in the 
field of tourism and related activities; 6 in the field of education, training and administration; 3 4 in 
the field of health and social welfare; 26 in the field of forestry and timber; 6 3 in the field of 
sustainable development; 51 in the field of fundamental standards and terminology; 49 in the field 
of chemistry and packaging; 35 in the field of manageme nt and quality of services; 2 2 in the field 
of cosmetics; 15 in the field of telecommunications and information technology; 8 in the field of oil, 
gas and lubricants; 28 in the field of conformity assessment; 4 in the field of transport; 21 in the 
field of  mining and extractive industries; 1 8 in the field of safety and resilience; 4 in the field of Halal 
products; 15 in the field of technology, manufacturing and metals; 11 in the field of textiles and 
fashion accessories; and 10 in the field of social affai rs, culture and labour. All are based on 
international standards.  
 
50 Order No. 17/MMIT of 18 March 2015 establishing the conditions for the application of conformity 
assessment.  
51 Law No. 006/2014 of 28 August 2014 establishing the National Standardization System.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 250 - 
  3.85.  In February  2019, AGANOR launched a business project entitled "Ambition 2019 -23", which 
aims to structure all sectors of activity using quality standards that conform to international 
standa rds; guarantee traceability to the international measurement system; secure imports and 
promote the "Made in Gabon" label for exports; and encourage all organizations in the private and 
public sectors to adopt a quality approach.  
3.86.  A mutual recognition agree ment was signed with Türkiye on conformity assessment. Gabon 
has been a member of regional and international standardization bodies, including the African 
Organization for Standardization, the Francophone Standardization Network and the International 
Organ ization for Standardization since 1  January  2012.  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
3.87.  Gabon has not notified any sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to the WTO. As part 
of its transparency obligations under the WTO Agreement on the Application of  SPS Measures, Gabon 
has notified the Ministry of Agriculture as its national enquiry point for the WTO and as the authority 
responsible for WTO notification procedures in this area.52 
3.88.  Gabon is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture 
Organization (FAO)/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Organization for Animal Health 
(OIE), the FAO International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)53 and several other African and 
global conventions.  
3.89.  The establishment of the Gabonese  Food Safety Agency (AGASA) in 2011 improved 
coordination of food control activities.54 AGASA implements public policies on sanitary and 
phytosanitary safety that were previously within the purview of the Directorates -General of 
Agriculture and Livestock. AGASA appointed a focal point responsible for monitoring SPS measures.  
3.90.  Under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, AGASA's mission is to prevent, assess 
and manage the phytosanitary, health and nutritional risks present in foodstuffs intended for  human 
and animal consumption, from production to distribution. It is also responsible for providing scientific 
and technical advice and assistance in all areas affecting food safety and for protecting the health 
and interests of consumers while ensuring t he smooth operation of the internal market. AGASA is 
also responsible for health, food inspection, plant health and fraud prevention.  
3.91.  The AGASA website55 provides an online service giving access to various application forms for 
importing foodstuffs and pla nt protection products; for approvals for small craft, ice factories, 
fishmongers and the transport of fishery products; for health and veterinary certificates for importing 
foodstuffs; and for phytosanitary certificates for export and re -export.  
3.92.  Pursuant to Law No.  15/65 of 22  December  1965 on food inspection, AGASA organizes 
training sessions on products and by -products of animal origin. AGASA also supports small -scale 
food processors in implementing good hygiene and manufacturing practices. The same appl ies to 
plant health, where, as part of the implementation of the monitoring plan for local market garden 
produce and in accordance with Article 5 of Law No.  040/2018 of 28  December  2018, AGASA 
provides technical support to producers and training for market  gardeners in the use of pesticides 
and the management of effluents.56 
3.93.  Ordinance No.  50/78 of 21  August  1978 is the main instrument regulating food quality 
control. It governs all economic actors involved in the food trade (producers, transporters, sellers , 
 
52 WTO documents G/SPS/ENQ/26 of 11 March 2011 and G/SPS/NNA/16 of 11 March 2011.  
53 Gabon adhered to the FAO’s IPPC on 23 April 2008. Viewed at: 
https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/legal/docs/004s -e.pdf. 
54 Decree No. 0292/PR/MAEPDR of 18 February 2011 establishing and organizing the Gabonese Food 
Safety Agency and Decree No . 0667/PR/MAEPDR of 10 July 2013 amending certain provisions of Decree 
No. 0292/PR/MAEPDR of 18 February 2011.  
55 AGASA website. Viewed at: https://agasa.site /. 
56 Pursuant to Article 5 of Law No. 040/2018 of 28 December 2018 laying down the legal framework for 
the rational use and management of plant protection products in the Republic of Gabon.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 251 - 
  importers and exporters). Under this Ordinance, controls must be conducted on the basis of the 
national and international standards adopted by Gabon.  
3.94.  Since the last Review, three new decrees have been added to the regulations on food control. 
The first l ays down the health and hygiene conditions applicable to establishments in the food and 
animal feed sectors.57 Hygiene requirements for the location, design, construction, layout and fittings 
of premises are set by order of the Minister responsible for agr iculture, livestock, fisheries and food 
safety. Food products must meet certain requirements to be considered safe and compliant. The 
second decree sets out, in a table, the shelf life and storage temperatures of certain foodstuffs. This 
information, toget her with the production date, must appear legibly and indelibly on the packaging 
and label.58 In addition to these regulations, there is a decree intended to improve health and 
hygiene conditions relating to the handling, preparation and display of street food and products.59 
3.95.  Order No.  006/MAEPA of 31  March  2020 laying down the conditions for importing animal 
foodstuffs and products of animal origin replaced Order No.  00340 of 20  July 1999, which had lapsed 
because it had not been published in the Official Journal. The new legal instrument takes into account 
the reduction of import fees from CFAF  2 to CFAF  1 per kilogram for fresh and frozen products; 
CFAF 1 to CFAF  0.5 per kilogram for manufactured foods (dry products, preserves, beverages and 
confectionery ); and CFAF  0.5 to CFAF  0.25 per kilogram for consumer plant products (rice, malt, 
wheat, barley and maize). The CFAF  10,000 fee for local production and marketing is no longer in 
force.  
3.96.  Fines for breaches of the health requirements for food products are s et by the special 
instruments in force, in particular Law No.  15/65 of 12  December  1965 on the health inspection of 
foodstuffs and products and by -products of animal origin; Law No.  7/77 of 15  December  1977 
establishing a phytosanitary inspectorate in the Republic of Gabon; Law No.  040/2018 of 
28 December  2018 laying down the legal framework for the rational use and management of plant 
protection products in the Republic of Gabon; and Decree No.  000326/PR/MAEPA of 27  August  2020 
laying down the health and h ygiene conditions applicable to street food businesses. Fines range from 
CFAF 100,000 to CFAF  500,000.  
3.97.  In addition, under Law No.  015/2005, the Directorate -General of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 
through its quality and health inspection service, is responsi ble for monitoring the quality of fishery 
products. On the basis of Decree No.  000665/PR/MEFBP of 9  August  2004, the Directorate -General 
of Competition and Consumption (DGCC) takes samples of all food products on the market for 
laboratory analysis. Pursuan t to Ordinance No.  1/95 of 14  January  1995 and Decree 
No. 000820/PR/MSPP of 19  July 2001, the Institute of Public Hygiene and Sanitation verifies hygiene 
conditions in premises where foodstuffs are stored, produced and sold. It also inspects all the 
proces ses of food production. The public hygiene and sanitation inspection services of municipal and 
local authorities conduct foodstuff inspection within their own geographical areas. The inspections 
frequently concern perishable products (visual inspection, us e-by date, etc.). Certificates of 
conformity are issued on completion of the inspection.  
3.98.  The same sanitary regulations apply to domestic products and imports and exports of any 
type of food product.60 These prohibit the sale of any food that has passed its  use-by date or is 
adulterated or toxic, together with food that does not satisfy the technical regulations in force (for 
example, the sale of iodized salt). In principle, a product inspected and certified abroad is not 
re-inspected in Gabon unless there a re doubts as to its quality. The Quality Control Laboratory 
performs this task for foodstuffs. Gabon has also introduced technical regulations concerning animal 
health61, a sanitary inspectorate for their enforcement62, and sanitary technical regulations on meat, 
the slaughter of animals and fish products.63 There is a phytosanitary inspectorate for imports and 
 
57 Decree No. 0578/PR/MAEAMOPG of  26 November 2015 laying down the health and hygiene conditions 
applicable to establishments in the food and animal feed sectors.  
58 Decree No. 0329/PR/MAEPSA of 2 July 2015 specifying the shelf life and storage conditions of certain 
foodstuffs.  
59 Decree No . 000326/PR/MAEPA of 27 August 2020 laying down the health and hygiene conditions 
applicable to street food businesses.  
60 Ordinance No. 50/78 of 21 August 1978.  
61 Law No. 15/65 of 12 December 1965.  
62 Law No. 73/77 of 15 December 1977.  
63 Law No. 15/65 of 12  December 1965.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 252 - 
  exports of plants and the packaging used to transport them.64 The importer must pay the inspection 
and control costs.  
3.99.  Decree No.  000922 /PR/MEFBP/MAEDR of 18  October  2005 sets forth the fee schedule of the 
phytosanitary inspectorate. The cost of a phytosanitary certificate for rough wood  is CFAF  600/m3 
for imports and 300 CFAF/m3 for exports. For processed or semi -processed timber, the cos t is 
CFAF 1,000/kg on import and CFAF  500/m3 on export. Technical approval for the use of pesticides 
is issued for plant protection products at a cost of CFAF  200,000 per year. Technical approval to 
distribute pesticides for marketing purposes costs CFAF  500/kg.  A disinfection certificate is issued 
for disinfection in the event of attack by pests, at a cost of CFAF  15/m2 for seeds, cuttings, shoots, 
grafts, bulbs, runners, suckers, bark and flowers.  
3.100.   Foodstuffs of avian or porcine origin and their by -product s are subject to a special procedure 
to prevent the outbreak of avian influenza.65 They must be the subject of a prior import declaration 
and are inspected without charge within a period not exceeding 48 hours after their arrival in Gabon. 
Gabon suspended,  until 2011, the importation of meat products and their by -products from countries 
declared by the OIE to be infected with avian influenza. Order No.  129/06/MEFBP/CABME/SG/DGCC 
of 22 February  2006 lays down the conditions for suspending imports of food pro ducts and foodstuffs 
if an epizootic outbreak or other animal or plant disease is declared.  
3.101.   The prohibition of imports of products and foodstuffs of animal origin is based on the 
assessment of sanitary and phytosanitary risks conducted by AGASA in response  to health alerts 
issued by international organizations and the competent authorities of exporting countries. These 
import prohibitions evolve according to the epizootic and health situation in the country affected by 
a crisis or health alert. In the case of avian influenza, the new approach is to prohibit imports from 
affected areas rather than from the country itself. This depends on how far the epizootic outbreak 
has spread.  
3.3.4   Competition policy and price controls  
3.102.   Law No.  14/98 of 23  July 1998 continues to  govern competition in Gabon. This Law prohibits 
anti-competitive practices such as unlawful understandings or abuse of a dominant market position, 
in addition to certain trade practices (selling at a loss, refusal to sell, sales subject to conditions, 
discriminatory selling, etc.). Understandings accounting for no more than 5 % of the domestic market 
do not fall within the scope of this Law; the same applies where the turnover of participating 
companies does not exceed the threshold of CFAF  150 million. Economic concentration must be 
notified to the Minister responsible for the economy, who may decide, after having sought the opinion 
of the DGCC, to prohibit it or accept it under certain conditions. The threshold for such concentration 
is 25% of sales, purchases or transactions on the domestic market for the product or service in  
question.  
3.103.   Located in the Ministry responsible for the economy, the DGCC was set up in 2004, inter alia  
to implement the Government's policy on the regulation of competition and price control.66 In 2022, 
the Gabon Energy and Water Company (SEEG) was found to have breached competition rules by 
engaging in tied selling and setting a price ceiling in the bakery flour distribution subsector. SEEG 
made the purchase of an Edan ticket (prepaid electricity ticket) conditional on payment of the water 
bill. 
3.104.   In princi ple, the two main instruments for regulating competition at the Community level are 
the regulation of anti -competitive trade practices and the regulation of government practices 
affecting trade between the member States. The authorities state that CEMAC pr ovisions on 
competition have been adopted ( Common Report, Section  3).67 
3.105.   Gabon's price control regime is based on the 1998 competition law, which lays down the 
general principle of free pricing and free trade within Gabon; prices must be transparent, and an  
 
64 Law No. 2/65 of 5 June 1965.  
65 Presidential Decree of 28 October 2005.  
66 Decree No. 000665/PR/MEFBP of 9 August 2004 on the establishment, functions and organization of 
the DGCC.  
67 Regulation No. 06/19 -UEAC -639-CM-33 on competition; Direc tive No. 02/19 -UEAC -639-CM-33 
harmonizing consumer protection within CEMAC.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 253 - 
  invoice must be prepared and issued to the buyer. The Government may control the price of goods 
and services if competition is distorted, particularly in sectors where monopolies have been 
established. Thus, it reserves the right to monitor prices set by economic operators for water and 
electricity (for which the formulas used to modify prices are determined in the concession agreement 
with the SEEG) ( Section  4.3), textbooks and rent. The same applies to goods and services subject 
to approval.  
3.106.   To prevent e xcessive price increases in crisis situations or if the market is not operating 
normally, the Government introduced a system of "controlled price freedom". Administered by the 
Directorate -General of Competition in the Ministry responsible for the economy, this system involves 
the monthly approval of prices through the setting of price caps by the DGCC.68 It covers food crops 
and other local products, together with imported staple products. In addition, provincial price 
committees have been set up to monitor  price trends in their administrative areas and keep the 
DGCC informed.69 The prices of transport services are fixed by the Government.  
3.107.   In 2014, a unit for analysing and forecasting the cost of living was established and, in 2016, 
an interministerial commi ttee for continuous monitoring of the cost of living was also set up.70 Order 
No. 0022/MEPPD/SG/DGCC of 23  July 2018 sets the wholesale, semi -wholesale and retail prices of 
98 imported staple goods. The products on the list are subject to the price freeze and controlled 
price freedom regimes. They are exempt from import duties and taxes for a period of six months. 
Operators' profit margins on the marketing of these products are capped at 24.5 %, broken down as 
follows: importers or wholesalers, 7.5 %; semi -wholesalers, 5 %; and retailers, 12 %. According to 
the authorities, the list of frozen prices, which covered 167 products in 2012, had been reduced to 
58 products by 2019 and to 48 products in 2022.71 
3.108.   The profit margins on medicines are set by the authorities  in collaboration with the medicines 
inspectorate (National Pharmaceutical Office of the Ministry of Health).  
3.109.   According to the authorities, a consumer protection law is currently being examined.  
3.3.5   State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
3.110.   Gabon has not submitted any notifications to the WTO concerning state trading.72 However, 
the State holds shares in a number of enterprises operating in all sectors of the economy 
(Table  A3.1); some of them enjoy monopolies or exclusive rights, as do certain private enterprises.  
3.111.   In addition, there are still some monopolies held by private law companies in Gabon. SEEG 
holds a monopoly within its concession areas (namely the capital and urban centres) on the 
transport, distribution, import and export of electric ity (the production of electricity has been 
liberalized), and on the production, transport and distribution of water ( Sections  4.3 and 4.4). Gabon 
Télécom no longer holds a monopoly on the provision of basic telecommunications services.  
3.112.   Other monopolies st ill exist, in the areas of oil refining (SOGARA) and edible oil production 
(OLAM PALM Gabon). The following are no longer monopolies: the import of petroleum products; 
the production of beer and aerated beverages (SOBRAGA); the import of wheat and the prod uction 
of flour; the import and marketing of edible oils from non -CEMAC countries; the production and 
marketing of sugar in Gabon; the marketing of cement; and the production of mineral water in 
Gabon.  
3.113.   The institutional framework for the privatization of Gabon's state -owned enterprises is still 
based on Law No.  1/96 of 13  February  1996. In principle, the Government lays down a privatization 
programme each year, in a decree by the Council of Ministers that is appended to the Budget  Law, 
listing the state -owned enterprises to be privatized and setting out the implementing arrangements. 
An interministerial privatization commission and the Privatization Committee are responsible for the 
implementation of the programme. In addition to the tasks assigned to it under Law No.  1/96, in 
 
68 Orders No. 0138 and No. 0139/MEEDD/CABMIN/DGCC of 14 August 2012.  
69 Order No. 0140/MEEDD/CABMIN/DGCC of 14 August 2012.  
70 Order No. 000757/MEPIP/SG of 24 October 2014 and Order N o. 0577/PM of 9 June 2016.  
71 Order No. 51.22/MER/MCPME/MAA/MT of 15 September 2022 listing the imported basic foodstuffs 
subject to the overall reduced rate of 5 % and the price cap for 48 products.  
72 WTO documents G/L/1335 and G/STR/23 of 8 November 2019.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  2009, the Privatization Committee was charged with periodically reviewing the accounting and 
financial situation of enterprises in the semi -public sector.73 
Table 3.6 List of enterprises privatized/undergoing privatization since 2013  
Sector  Enterprise  Year of 
privatization  Date of 
creation  State share 
before 
privatization  Mode of 
privatization  Share sold 
to main 
investor  
 Companies  
Agriculture/livestock 
breeding  SMAG  Ongoing  1968 39% Transfer of shares  29.13%  
Agri-food 
 
 AGRIPOG  
SIAT (Agro Gabon/ 
SOGADEL)  Ongoing  
.. 1976 
.. 55% 
..  Transfer of assets  
Transfer of business 
capital  .. 
.. 
Timber  SNBG  Ongoing  .. 51% Transfer of shares  .. 
Transport  
 
 SNAT  
 
SETRAG  
 
SOGATRA  Ongoing  
 
.. 
 
Ongoing  1976 
 
.. 
 
1997 51% 
 
.. 
 
.. Transfer of shares  
Liquidation ongoing  
Liquidation initiated  80% 
 
.. 
 
.. 
Hydrocarbons  SGEPP  
SOGARA   Withdrawn  
Ongoing  .. 
.. 25% 
25% Restructuring  
Restructuring  .. 
.. 
Real estate  SNI Withdrawn  .. 77% Restructuring  .. 
Industry  
 SUCAF  
 
CIMAF GABON  .. 
 
.. .. 
 
.. .. 
 
.. Transfer of shares  
Liquidated  .. 
 
.. 
Commercial bank  BGD .. .. 69% Liquidated  .. 
News  SONAPRESSE  
AFRICA N°1  
GABON 
INFORMATIQUE  
ADL .. 
.. 
 
.. 
.. .. 
.. 
 
.. 
.. 73% 
.. 
 
.. 
.. Liquidated  
Liquidated  
 
Liquidated  
Liquidated  .. 
.. 
 
.. 
.. 
 Public institutions of an industrial and commercial nature  
Transport  CNI Ongoing  .. .. Restructuring  .. 
Public works  LBTPG  Planning 
pending  .. .. .. .. 
Agriculture/livestock 
breeding  OGAPROV  .. .. .. Liquidated  .. 
Industry  PROMOGABON  .. .. .. Liquidated  .. 
Post Gabon/Poste  2006/creation  2001 .. Liquidated  .. 
Telecommunications  Gabon Télécom  2007 2001 .. Transfer of assets  51% 
.. Not available.  
Source:  Gabonese authorities, Privatization Committee.  
3.114.   In general, privatizations are carried out by sale of shares, share exchange, 
merger -demerger, or any system of asset securitization. They may also take the following forms: 
management mandate (lease -management contract), concession (leasing), or dissolution 
(liquidation). The regulations in force provide that where privatization takes the form of a transfer 
of ownership, some stock must be reserved for Gabone se holders, especially for employees of the 
enterprises that have been privatized.  
3.115.   The main privatizations in Gabon in recent years were in the areas of water and electricity 
(SEEG); post and telecommunications (Gabon Télécom); transport (SETRAG (formerly OCTRA)); 
and industry, trade and services (Ciments du Gabon, CFG).74 
3.116.   A law on public -private partnerships (PPPs) was passed in 2016.75 It sets out the framework 
for drafting, entering into and implementing contracts and agreements signed for the 
implementation of PPPs. A PPP contract is defined as any agreement under which the State, a local 
authority, a public institution, a state -owned  company or any other body governed by public law 
entrusts to a third party, for a specified period, depending on the amortization period of the 
investments or the financing arrangements adopted, an overall mission relating to the design, 
construction or t ransformation, upkeep, maintenance, operation or management of works, 
 
73 Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Tourism, Decision No. 0958 of 29 March 2010.  
74 Privatization Committee (2012).  
75 Law No. 020/2016 of 5 September 2016 ratifying Ordinance No. 009/PR/2015 of 11 February 2016 
(LPPP).  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  equipment or intangible assets required for public service, and all or part of their financing, with the 
exception of any equity stake.  
3.117.   PPP contracts and agreements may be signed in any sector. The institutional framework for 
PPPs comprises the steering body; the bid evaluation body; the supervisory body; and the regulatory 
body. The powers and organization of these bodies are set out in regulations. According to 
Chapter  IV of the PPP Law , PPPs may be signed in the form of partnership contracts or institutional 
partnerships. The characteristics of the partnership contract and its mandatory clauses are laid 
down. An institutional PPP is defined as any agreement between public and private pa rtners with a 
view to creating a joint entity with mixed capital to achieve a public service objective.  
3.118.   All partnership projects are subject to a prior legal, technical and financial assessment 
conducted by the steering body, whose report is submitted to t he contracting authority. Under 
Article  18 of the Law, the award of PPP contracts is subject to the principles of open access, equal 
treatment, objectivity, competitiveness and transparency of procedures and compliance with good 
governance rules. Chapter V I of the Law also covers the procedures for awarding PPP contracts and 
agreements (including calls for tender, competitive dialogue, negotiated procedures and unsolicited 
bids); in addition to the award of PPP contracts, exceptions, and the need for confid entiality. A 
dispute settlement procedure is set out in Chapter XII.  
3.119.   ANPI supports the implementation of PPPs. Examples of PPP projects in the transport sector 
include the port of Port -Gentil, the Trans -Gabon railway concession, the new Owendo port termina l, 
the Trans -Gabon motorway and the new Libreville airport project with Olam.  
3.3.6   Government procurement  
3.120.   Gabon is neither a party nor an observer to the plurilateral WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement. Since its last TPR, the new Government Procurement Co de of June  2012 has replaced 
the 2002 Code. Since 2012, the public procurement regime in Gabon has changed, with the 
publication of three new decrees: Decree No.  278/PR/MEP of 22  August  2014 on the organization of 
the Government Procurement Regulatory Agen cy (ARMP); Decree No.  00027/PR/MEPPDD of 
17 January  2018 on the Government Procurement Code; and Decree No.  00027/PR/MEF of 
18 March  2020 on the establishment, powers and organization of the Directorate -General of 
Government Procurement.  
3.121.   The Government Pro curement Code applies to contracts awarded by legal persons governed 
by public law and legal persons governed by private law acting on behalf of the State, in addition to 
those awarded by semi -public companies. Similarly, contracts awarded pursuant to fina ncing 
agreements or international treaties are covered by the Code when the provisions of these contracts 
are not contrary to the international agreements and treaties. In particular, the Code stipulates that 
public service delegations and other PPPs must henceforth be awarded on the basis of competitive 
tendering procedures that it lays down.  
3.122.   The threshold applicable depends on the beneficiary of the purchase and the nature of the 
contract. The contract award thresholds were revised by Order No.  0006/MEEDD  of 23 March  2018 
as follows: for State contracts, public establishments and State companies, the threshold is set at 
CFAF 50 million for works; CFAF  35 million for supplies; and CFAF  20 million for services and 
intellectual services. For procurement by lo cal authorities and local public institutions, the thresholds 
for the same operations are, respectively, CFAF  30 million, CFAF  20 million and CFAF  15 million. The 
new legal framework for government procurement prohibits, inter alia , collusion among bidders  and 
the splitting of contracts.  
3.123.   The Government Procurement Code distinguishes between the awarding, controlling and 
regulatory bodies. The person responsible for the procurement (designated by the representative of 
the contracting body), assisted by a com mission for the assessment of bids, conducts the procedure 
for the award of the contract up to the designation of the successful bidder and the final approval of 
the award.  
3.124.   The Directorate -General of Government Procurement (DGMP) is responsible for oversee ing 
the procurement process and the performance of contracts. The Procurement Unit examines all 
procurement operations, from the planning phase to the award of the contract. Empowered by the WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  Director -General of Government Procurement, provincial government  procurement delegations 
oversee procurement procedures within their territorial jurisdiction.  
3.125.   The ARMP is responsible for regulating the government procurement framework. Its purview 
includes conducting independent technical audits and imposing sanctions for any irregularities 
uncovered; the out -of-court settlement of disputes arising from government procurement 
procedures; and participation in the framing of laws and regulations on government procurement.  
3.126.   Under the legal framework in force until 2012, the  DGMP was responsible for ensuring 
compliance with the regulations and, if necessary, for supplementing them.76 To that end, the DGMP 
was responsible for creating a database on the methods for awarding procurement contracts and 
overseeing procurement of ov er CFAF  30 million and under CFAF  500 million. The DGMP also settled 
disputes. The National Government Procurement Commission was responsible for approving 
government procurement exceeding CFAF  500 million.77 
3.127.   In principle, procurement contracts are awarded  through an open invitation to tender. 
However, the contracting authority may exceptionally use one of the alternative methods of 
invitation to tender, under legally specified conditions.  
3.128.   Thus, the open invitation to tender may be preceded by prequalificat ion in the case of major 
works, complex equipment or specialized services, or highly complex contracts that are to be 
awarded on the basis of performance criteria rather than detailed technical specifications. Where a 
design service is to be delivered (are a planning, town planning, architecture, etc.), the invitation to 
tender may take the form of a contest.  
3.129.   A selective invitation to tender may be issued by the contracting authority only where there 
is a limited number of suppliers able to execute the contr act because of its nature. In this eventuality, 
all candidates with the necessary expertise and qualifications must be invited to tender.  
3.130.   Procurement contracts may exceptionally be awarded under the direct negotiation or private 
agreement procedure (withou t invitation to tender), subject to special authorization by the DGMP 
and in certain specified circumstances, relating, inter alia , to the expertise of the provider, 
intellectual property rights issues, and military secrecy.  
3.131.   Notices of invitation to tender , together with any decision to award a contract (following 
validation of the outcome by the DGMP), must be published in the Government Procurement Journal 
(or any other national or international publication). They may also be published online, on a 
dedica ted government procurement website.78 
3.132.   The new Code provides for the possibility of national and Community preferences. In the 
case of procurement by invitation to tender or direct negotiation, priority is given, when bids are 
equivalent, to enterprises tha t have one of the following statuses: incorporated under Gabonese 
law; engaged in economic activity on Gabonese territory; an SME whose share capital is owned 
wholly by Gabonese nationals or persons incorporated under Gabonese law; a group of companies 
with which Gabonese enterprises are associated or that provides considerable subcontracting to 
Gabonese nationals. There is a 10 % national preference margin for works contracts, and a 
15% preference margin for supplies contracts.  
3.133.   In the regional context, Community preference may be granted to any bidder whose fiscal 
residence is within CEMAC, where, in the case of suppliers, manufactured goods containing at least 
30% of value added in a CEMAC country will be supplied; in the case o f building, public works and 
industrial facilities contractors, at least 30 % of the inputs or 30 % of the personnel employed are of 
Community origin; and in the case of service providers and consultants, at least 50 % of the value 
of the service supplied is of Community origin.  
3.134.   Disputes concerning government procurement may be brought before the person responsible 
for the procurement or before the ARMP. Bidders who believe they have been treated unfairly may 
 
76 Decree No. 1102/PR/MEFBP of 4 Octob er 2003.  
77 Decree No. 1044/PR/MEFBP of 1 October 2003.  
78 Online information on government procurement. Viewed at: http://www.lejmp.ga /. WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  lodge a complaint within five working days followin g the date of publication of the award decision, 
or within 10 days prior to the date set for the submission of tenders. The decisions of the ARMP may 
be appealed before the competent administrative court.  
3.3.7   Intellectual property rights  
3.135.   Gabon is a member of t he World Intellectual Property Organization and the African 
Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) set up by the Bangui Agreement. Accordingly, Gabon's 
industrial property rights regulations are based on the relevant provisions of the Bangui Agreement 
(Common Report, Section  3). In 2014, the Gabon Industrial Property Office (OGAPI) replaced the 
Industrial Property Centre of Gabon within the Ministry in charge of industry.  
3.136.   OGAPI acts as the National Liaison Structure with OAPI.79 The administrative proced ures for 
registering industrial property titles begin with the filing of an application with OGAPI, which is 
responsible for ensuring and promoting the protection and use of industrial property nationwide. It 
is also responsible for organizing industrial p roperty awareness and information campaigns.  
3.137.   Since its last TPR, Gabon has adopted national legislation on geographical indications. Order 
No. 0022/PM on the creation, powers and organization of the National Committee for Geographical 
Indications of 27  January 2020 was adopted to render Gabon's National Committee for Geographical 
Indications official and operational for the purpose of supporting products eligible for geographical 
indication status.  
3.138.   Gabon's national legislation on copyright and related right s supplements the revised Bangui 
Agreement.80 Decree No.  00452/PR/MCAEP of 2006 lays down the general regulations on the 
administration of copyright and related rights and Decrees No.  453/PR/MCAEP of 2006 and 
No. 472/PR/MENESTFPRSCJS of 2012 fix the amount  of the corresponding royalties. In 2013, the 
Gabonese Copyright and Related Rights Office (BUGADA) was established.81 Its mission is to manage 
and defend copyright and related rights.  
3.139.   Legislation has changed since 2013, particularly in terms of criminal l aw. The Gabonese State 
issues convictions in accordance with Law No.  006/2020 of 30  June 2020 amending Law 
No. 042/2018 of 5  July 2019 on the Criminal Code of the Gabonese Republic. On the regulatory 
front, Decree No.  0383/PR/MCA of 13  October  2020 establi shed a unit to combat piracy and 
counterfeiting within BUGADA.82 
3.140.   The distribution of copyright royalties was carried out for the first time in Gabon at an official 
ceremony in February  2018. In accordance with Decree No.  00452 laying down the general 
regulations on the administration of copyright and related rights, 60 % of the sum collected for the 
2017 financial year was distributed to authors; 30 % of this sum was allocated to BUGADA's operating 
expenses; and the remainder (10 %) was allocated to the social  and cultural development fund. By 
the end of 2022, BUGADA had identified 500 users of intellectual works, and 300 authors were 
registered with the Collective Management Organization.  
3.141.   According to the authorities, trademarks and trade name s are categories of intellectual 
property rights that are frequently violated. Counterfeiting affects, in particular, food products 
(primarily beverages), tobacco, household appliances, mobile telephones, batteries, automobile 
parts, pharmaceutical product s, luxury goods and clothing. Within the Customs Directorate, the 
customs research and intelligence service, which is part of the customs enforcement and litigation 
department, is responsible for punishing intellectual property rights violations. It acts a t the request 
of right holders83, on its own initiative and as part of ad hoc  operations organized with the World 
Customs Organization and Interpol. The sanctions in the event of intellectual property rights 
violations are those provided for by the Bangui Agreement.
 
79 Law No.  14/2002 of 28 January 2003.  
80 Law No.  1/87 of 29 July 1987.  
81 Decree No. 0024/PR/MENESTFPRSCJS of 16 January 2013.  
82 Decree No. 0383/PR/MCA of 13 October 2020 on the reorganization of BUGADA.  
83 African Industrial Association (2008).  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1  Agriculture and related activities  
4.1.1   Overview  
4.1.  Gabon enjoys conditions (for example, fertile land) conducive to agricultural development. 
Forests cover about 85 % of the country's 26.5  million hectares of land.84 Most of them are 
low-altitude dense forest, of which one third is primary forest.85 An estimated 8,000 plant species, 
600 bird species, 150 mammals and other animals live in Gabon's equatorial forests.86 Thanks to 
their rich diversity, Gabonese forests ar e among the most important forest reserves in the Congo 
River basin, and even on the continent. Covering almost the whole country, the network of 
waterways around the Ogooué, Nyanga and Komo Rivers, together with abundant rainfall (between 
1,450 and 4,000 mm per year), provide appropriate irrigation for agricultural and forestry activities.  
4.2.  Gabon's 800 km coastline on the Atlantic Ocean offers significant potential for fisheries 
production. Fishing takes place on the 40,600 km² continental shelf. A small number of shipowners, 
mainly foreign, participate in industrial fishing in the approx. 21 3,000 km² exclusive economic zone 
(EEZ). By Decree No.  161/PR of 1  July 2017 creating aquatic protected areas in the Gabonese 
Republic, the Government classified 23 % of the EEZ as marine protected areas.  
4.3.  Legally, the State owns the  land87, but the customar y regime of land ownership is observed in 
rural areas. The lack of a functioning regime of agricultural land ownership is a major obstacle to 
the establishment of a land market. The State allocates land in three forms: leases of land for 
building (at least  100 ha), ordinary leases (at least 50 ha) and free leases (1 to 30 ha). A national 
land use plan (NLUP)88 is being drawn up under the coordination of the National Commission for 
Land Allocation (CNAT), which was created in 2017.89 During a transitional ph ase, the CNAT advises 
on any proposed new allocations. The procedure for obtaining the CNAT's advice on land allocation 
involves five stages: (i) application to the Ministry of Agriculture; (ii) verification of land availability 
by the sector; (iii) transm ission of the allocation application to the CNAT; (iv) field mission by the 
CNAT to assess environmental and social criteria; (v) examination of applications by a technical 
commission for the issuance of allocation orders. In 2019, the CNAT, in conjunction  with the Ministry 
of Agriculture, allocated 45,200 ha of land for farming, while 12,000 ha were allocated in 2020. 
Several applications are currently being processed by the CNAT (expansion of Sucrerie africaine du 
Gabon (SUCAF), Moupia high productivity a gricultural zone (ZAP), agricultural zone for the Gabonese 
Agricultural Development Agency (ADAG), Bitam agricultural zone, Olam agricultural zone, etc.).  
4.4.  Agriculture remains an underdeveloped area of activity in Gabon. From 2013 to 2019, its 
average annua l contribution to national GDP was rather modest at around 3.1 %. However, it 
accounted for 6 % of non -oil GDP in 2019. These relatively low figures can be explained by the fact 
that Gabon is a highly urbanized country, with only 13 % of its population living  in rural areas. 
Moreover, part of the agricultural activity is non -commercial, or even informal, because it is largely 
unaccounted -for subsistence farming. Despite this, the agricultural sector was responsible for 21 % 
of national employment in 2020 -21, 50 % of which was in the palm oil sector, which underlines its 
importance as a source of income for part of the population.  
4.5.  Table 4.1 shows Gabon's main crops by sown area.  
 
84 Convention on Biological Diversity. Viewed at: https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=ga . 
85 MEFME  (2019), Sixth National Biodiversity Report.  
86 Convention on Biological Diversity. Viewed at: https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=ga . 
87 Law No.  14/63 of 8 May 1963.  
88 The NLUP under development should establish a coherent framework for land allocation. It should 
make the most of the territory's resources, minimize the risk of land use conflicts and maximize opportunities 
for multiple compatible use s. An analysis of current land use and occupancy has been completed by satellite 
positioning and can be viewed at: http://wri.github.io/pnat -landing -page/. 
89 Decree No . 0212/MEPPDD of 21 July 2017.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  Table 4.1 Main crops by sown area, 2012 -21 
(Thousands of hectares)  
 2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Rice 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Coffee (green)  310 320 300 271 297 290 286 291 289 289 
Cocoa (beans)  3,500  3,500  3,300  1,592  1,596  1,611  1,598  1,566  1,576  1,003  
Oil palm  
(palm nuts) 4,200  4,200  4,281  4,784  5,234  5,655  5,830  6,116  6,460  6,939  
Hevea cultivation  
(natural rubber)  15,268  15,553  15,925  16,174  16,351  16,282  15,050  15,864  15,040  15,677  
Market garden producea 8,000  8,997  8,917  9,247  9,388  9,156  9,264  9,269  9,230  9,254  
Maize  26,500  27,000  27,521  27,937  28,327  28,634  29,165  28,709  28,836  28,903  
Cassava (fresh)  58,500  60,000  61,070  58,710  57,893  57,132  59,501  60,037  60,466  60,894  
Plantains  50,000  53,224  53,000  52,402  53,747  52,998  53,323  52,319  50,764  50,375  
Bananas  2,200  2,220  2,232  2,274  2,311  2,283  2,283  2,253  2,252  2,252  
Citrus fruit  240 245 250 241 236 232 238 237 236 235 
Pineapples  180 169 170 174 178 178 177 178 177 177 
Aubergines  42 40 40 43 41 43 42 42 42 42 
Groundnuts, unshelled  22,920  24,506  26,063  28,903  28,039  33,867  30,900  32,640  34,748  36,645  
a All fruit and vegetables other than nuts.  
Source:  FAO Stat. Viewed at: https://www.fao.org/food -agriculture -statistics/en /. 
4.6.  Agricultural activity is dominated by small farms using rudimentary production techniques. In 
some subs ectors, such as market gardening, the farmed area does not exceed 0.5 ha, which limits 
the scope for returns to scale considerably.90 The sector is characterized by low levels of 
mechanization; weak technical support services for producers; a lack of marke ting, transport and 
processing infrastructure; a shortage of labour due mainly to the rural exodus; and limited access 
to financing. These various factors, together with the shortcomings of the land ownership regime, 
explain the generally low volumes of ag ricultural production, despite the existence of a few industrial 
farming units. As a result, imports provide around 60 % of the food consumed in Gabon.  
4.1.2   Agricultural policy  
4.7.  The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for agricultural policy, including the for mulation of 
agriculture and livestock development programmes, while fishery and aquaculture activities now fall 
under the Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy. These Ministries cooperate with trade 
organizations and development partners. The Mini stry of Agriculture is responsible for sanitary and 
phytosanitary controls through the Gabonese Food Safety Agency (AGASA), a body under its 
technical supervision that was set up in 2011 by Decree No.  0292/PR/MAPDR. The Ministry oversees 
several agencies, such as ADAG, which replaced the National Rural Development Office by Decree 
No. 0574/PR/MAEACMOPG of 23  November  2015 and took over the functions of the Office for 
Research into the Introduction, Adaptation and Propagation of Plant Material (ORIAM). In ad dition 
to rural development, ADAG promotes the agricultural sector and undertakes information and 
promotion activities related to agricultural investment.  
4.8.  When adopting the Emerging Gabon Strategic Plan (PSGE) 2025, Gabon made agriculture one 
of the three pillars of its development. In addition to crop production, the agriculture pillar, known 
as "Green Gabon", includes livestock farming, fisheries and aquaculture, and forestry. Gabon's 
specific agricultural objectives are set out in the PSGE. The first obj ective is to guarantee the 
country's food and nutrition security while reducing its dependence on imports, by increasing local 
food and agrifood production. The second major objective is to harness the country's agricultural 
potential to boost economic gro wth by expanding sown areas, increasing the value added of exported 
products and creating formal employment in agriculture.  
4.9.  Under the PSGE, ADAG was set up to mobilize agricultural land tenure and make it more secure. 
Since 2019, the Transformation Acceler ation Plan has provided for the implementation of several 
initiatives, namely:  
 
90 Loudit, Ndong and Francis (2017).  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  a. Support for the development of priority sectors:  
• Food crop and garden produce component: (i) PAPG191, development of agricultural, social 
(e.g. schools) and transport infrastruc ture, farmer training, creation of an agricultural 
development fund and of a mobile payment platform, etc.; (ii) PDAR  292, policy support to 
improve the institutional framework, establishment of service providers to supply plant 
material and infrastructure  co-financing; (iii) Law on plant seed policy93 (already 
enacted)94: creation of a national seed council, a national seed catalogue and a seed fund;  
• Poultry/pork component: (i) PRODIAG  295, support for the development of the pork and 
poultry sector by setting up farms; (ii) Law No.  010/2021 organizing the veterinary 
profession and trades, Law No.  001/2021 on veterinary medicines and products in the 
Gabonese Republic, (iii) draft law establishing the framework for the creation and 
organization of agricul tural and fisheries inter -trade associations;  
• Sugar component: (i) SUCAF, 4,000 ha expansion of industrial plantations; (ii) village 
component with 3,000 ha of village plantations, preservation of "Made in Gabon" label.  
b. Draft law on agricultural policy (cu rrently being approved by an interministerial 
committee).  
c. Development of training: (i) rehabilitation work under way at the National Rural 
Development School in Oyem, project to launch the Agricultural Technical Extension 
Service; (ii) project to open Léba mba Agricultural Technical College; (iii) inauguration of 
five new incubators as part of the Youth Empowerment Project.  
d. Launch of the ZAP land programme96 (64 million ha of land): (i) land regulation, 
environmentally responsible development and grouping of  activities (production, 
processing, logistics, etc.); (ii) marketing, training and research; (iii) effective launch 
subject to seed availability (seed multiplication bases).  
4.10.  The Operational Plan for the Green Gabon Hub under the PSGE identifies seven grow th 
sectors: agriculture, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, timber, non -wood products and bushmeat. 
The aim for 2025 is for the Hub's value added to reach CFAF  2,140  billion at constant prices, six 
times the 2012 levels. The first results are promising. Th e agriculture and agrifood sector has seen 
robust growth in recent years, with GDP increasing by a factor of 1.8 between 2010 and 2019 from 
CFAF 262 billion to CFAF  487 billion, and 75,000 tonnes of plantain - the main food crop – being 
produced each year,  equivalent to 35 kg/inhabitant and covering 25 % of local needs. However, the 
sector remains dependent on imports, as the volume of local production, although increasing, 
remains limited.  
4.11.  The Agricultural Code of 10  December  200897 continues to provide the  regulatory framework 
for the agriculture sector. It provides for duty and tax exemptions on imports and purchases on the 
domestic market to encourage investment in the sector. These exemptions apply to, inter alia , the 
business licence fee ( patente )98, VAT, land and property taxes, and competition and consumption 
levies. The VAT exemption applies to purchases on the local market and imports of a list of 
agricultural equipment and inputs established by ministerial order. More recently, Law No.  002/2013 
of 22 January  2013 extended this tax and customs incentive regime to farms with a minimum 
investment of CFAF  150 million and a minimum workforce of 30 Gabonese nationals. Capital goods, 
tools, spare parts and raw materials intended for agricultural use, in add ition to agricultural and 
industrial inputs intended for approved activities, are exempt from all duties, taxes and fees collected 
 
91 Seed Programme Support Project, phase 1.  
92 Agricultural and Rural Development Project, phase 2.  
93 Law No. 014/2021 of 21 August 2021 establishing plant seed policy in the Gabonese Republi c. 
94 Decree No. 00187/PR of 11 August 2021 promulgating Law No. 014/2021 of 21 August 2021 
establishing plant seed policy in the Gabonese Republic.  
95 Agricultural Development and Investment Project, phase 2.  
96 High productivity agricultural zone.  
97 Law No.  022/2008.  
98 Farmers/breeders, hunters and fishers, including those using dugout canoes, are exempt from the 
business licence fee ( patente ). WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  by the customs services. Access to these incentives is conditional on the presentation of proof of 
technical approval for far ming activities under Order No.  0006/MAEPDR/SG/DGDR of 
25 March  2013.  
4.12.  The Tax Code of 28  January  200999, which remains in force, also provides for measures to 
support farmers, including exemption from tax for cooperatives producing, processing, preserving 
or selling agricultural products; and, for the first two financial years, exemption from corporate and 
personal income tax, and a deduction for the following four financial years in the case of new 
agricultural businesses, excluding those in the forestry a nd fisheries sectors. Some agricultural 
products are also exempt from VAT or are subject to a lower rate than that applied to similar 
imported products (Tables 3.1 and 3.2).  
4.13.  In 2015, Gabon adopted decrees establishing health conditions for both the sale an d the 
production of foodstuffs, including animal feed, in line with its agricultural development strategy. 
Standards relating to product shelf life and storage, health and hygiene conditions and the packaging 
and labelling of animal products are in force ( Section  3.3.3).  
4.14.  More recently, Law No.  40/2018 of 28  December  2018 provides for the rational management 
and use of phytosanitary products and lays down the related legal framework. AGASA grants 
administrative authorizations to producers, sellers and distri butors of phytosanitary products in the 
country. It is also responsible for drawing up the national list of approved phytosanitary products, 
conducting risk assessments and publishing good practice guides for agricultural production. Law 
No. 40/2018, adopt ed on 28  December  2018 and published in June  2019, provides that operators 
complying with its provisions for five consecutive years would be eligible, at the end of that period, 
for a reduction in taxes, the details of which remained to be defined. Farmers  involved in the 
production, processing and export of organic agricultural products will be eligible for financial aid, 
the details of which are also still to be defined. Meanwhile, the pesticides and hazardous chemicals 
listed in Annex III to the Rotterda m Convention, together with most of the persistent organic 
pollutants in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention100, remain banned from import for agricultural 
purposes ( Section  3.1.6).  
4.15.  Pursuant to Law No.  40/2018, AGASA, as the national plant protection author ity, has drafted 
a series of implementing regulations and undertaken actions to raise awareness among stakeholders 
in the sector:  
• a draft order on the control of phytosanitary products, whose purpose is to set out the 
requirements that establishments and operators must meet when importing, storing, 
distributing and using phytosanitary products;  
• a draft text is being adopted to amend D ecree No.  922/PR/MEFBP/MAEDR of 
18 October  2005. The new decree provides for the issuance of several phytosanitary 
documents, such as phytosanitary approval and technical opinions on the use of 
pesticides;  
• the introduction of a purchase order for highly ha zardous pesticides such as "Aladin" 
(aluminium phosphide) for economic operators, subject to the presentation of certificates 
and evidence of training in phytosanitary treatment for their staff. This ordinance makes 
it possible to check that these products  are being used rationally;  
• from November to December  2019, a campaign was conducted to raise awareness of good 
agricultural practices among 400 market gardeners, nursery owners and horticulturists in 
Libreville, Owendo, Akanda and Ntoum, with a view to re ducing pesticide use.  
4.16.  By Order No.  0020/MEPPD/SG/DGCC of 2016, Gabon submitted 166 imported staple 
consumer goods to price -freeze and controlled pricing regimes. These include meat, poultry, fish, 
canned fish, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, canned v egetables, pasta, rice, oil and sugar. In 
2017, the list was modified by Order No.  0020/MEPPD/SG/DGCC. This measure was for one year, 
but with tacit renewal, and remained in force until 2022. However, the list was revisited by Order 
 
99 Law No. 027/2008.  
100 Viewed at: http://www.brsmeas.org/?tabid=4466 . WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 262 - 
  No. 051.22/MER/MCPME/MA A/MT of 15  August  2022 and entered into force on 1  October  2022. 
Through an import protocol, the State granted exemption from customs duties and VAT on the same 
products, together with a reduction of other costs such as the user fee for the customs compute r 
system, the commission on maritime traffic duty and fees for veterinary health certificates for 
imports.  
4.17.  The Economic Recovery Plan for 2017 -19, adopted in response to the oil crisis, focuses on 
certain sectors already identified in the Green Gabon Opera tional Plan, including the fisheries, 
agriculture and timber sectors.  
4.18.  More specifically, Gabon is aiming for greater food self -sufficiency, a 50 % reduction in food 
imports, a transition from traditional to industrial agriculture and the diversification of its economy. 
To these ends, it plans to develop agricultural basins by sector, promote and support agricultural 
entrepreneurs, encourage a return to the land, promote agribusiness and agri -industry, create ZAPs 
and mobilize funds to carry out these project s. The strategy is being implemented through targeted 
programmes such as the Agricultural Development and Investment Project  (PRODIAG) and the 
Gabonese Agricultural Achievements and Initiatives of Committed Nationals  (GRAINE) Programme. 
These programmes re ceive significant support from donors and international partners.  
4.19.  The relatively mixed achievements of the programmes are: 109 active cooperatives, 
1,200  jobs created, 13,000 ha of land developed (of which 3,000 ha for food crops and 10,000 ha 
for palm oil , or 20 % of the initial target), 10,000 ha planted (of which around 2,000 ha for food 
crops and 8,000 ha for palm oil) and 3,000 tonnes harvested (98 % cassava and the rest, plantains) 
in 2017.  
4.20.  The GRAINE Programme, launched at the end of 2014, aims to prom ote agricultural 
entrepreneurship through the formation and reactivation of producers' cooperatives. Technical 
training is provided to farmers, and the Programme promotes the development of new crops such 
as oil palm for local industrialization. The Progra mme is supported by the Agricultural Transformation 
and Rural Development Company (SOTRADER), a partnership between the Gabonese State and 
OLAM International. The target for 2019 was 62,000 ha of oil palm and 8,000 ha of food production 
(plantain, cassava,  chilli, tomato). The aim was for producers to provide raw materials for local 
processing and for Gabon to become an exporter of the high value -added product. Despite there 
being many small farmers registered under the Programme (over 15,000), these produc tion targets 
were not met. The African Development Bank (AfDB) should fund a second phase of the Programme.  
4.21.  As part of the implementation of the first phase of GRAINE (2015 -20) at an estimated cost of 
USD 1.5 billion, of which USD  1.1 billion will be finan ced by bank loans, SOTRADER, on 
25 April 2016, sent a request to the AfDB (private sector window) to help to finance this first phase 
with up to USD  100 million, while the Government, on 24  May 2017, sent a request to the Bank for 
public financing of UA 70  million (USD  97.4 million). Phase 1 of the project to support the 
GRAINE  Programme (PAPG1)101 at a total cost of EUR  115.984  million, of which 85 % will be financed 
by the AfDB and 15 % by the Government, will be implemented over a five -year period in the 
six provinces of Gabon (Woleu -Ntem, Ogooué -Lolo, Ogooué -Ivindo, Haut -Ogooué, Ngounié and 
Nyanga) that span the length of the country. PAPG1's overall objective is to help to make Gabon 
food self -sufficient and a net exporter of palm oil through the agricultural development of 10,000  ha 
of food crops in the six  target provinces and 10,500 ha of oil palm plantations in the Ndendé 
concession during the five -year project. PAPG1's interventio n will affect various targets, particularly 
about 140 active agricultural and food industry cooperatives that are engaged with SOTRADER in 
the implementation of GRAINE, together with more than 500 young people and women, who will 
benefit from project suppo rt to set up their own enterprises in the impact area, in connection with 
PAPG1's activities. The total population affected by the project and the social infrastructure set up 
is estimated at 630,000  people, with women accounting for 45 %. 
4.22.  Between 2010 and 2016, PRODIAG promoted subsistence farming and market gardening, 
livestock farming and cassava processing in peri -urban areas. The programme provided technical 
and management support to farmers and support for the restructuring of professional organization s 
and the processing of agricultural products. It also involved the development of educational leaflets 
for producers on alternatives to existing crops in peri -urban areas. The programme, for which 80 % 
 
101 AfDB, GRAINE Programme support project phase 1 (PAPG1), appraisal report, November 2017, 
authorized publication.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  of the funding was provided by a loan from the French Development Agency  (AFD), is estimated to 
have led to the production of an extra 8,000 tonnes of food products in 2016 (equivalent to 
CFAF 3.5 billion), in addition to creating more than 2,000 direct jobs and more than 1,000 new 
farms. As at 31  March  2016102, 851 farms had been created since the start of the Project, resulting 
in a 78 % target achievement rate. Of these 851 farms, 782 (92 %) were occupied by a beneficiary. 
The aim of the Project is to set up 1,094 farmers, with 71 % of this target having so far  been 
achieved. With 2,663 trainees trained by the end of the first quarter of 2016, 73 % of the training 
target has been achieved. Given the encouraging results of PRODIAG, the launch of a second phase 
was announced for 2019. This second phase should be su pported by the Development Bank of 
Central African States and the AFD.  
4.23.  Agricultural development in Gabon has also been realised in partnership with foreign private 
investors. The most common legal format for these investments is a public -private partnershi p with 
the Gabonese Government. The result has been significant investment in rubber and oil palm 
farming, and more recently in poultry, goat, and sheep farming, together with extensive cultivation 
of crops such as rice and other cereals. Beyond food self -sufficiency, the aim of partnerships with 
the private sector is to ensure the supply of inputs needed to establish high value -added agricultural 
industries such as palm oil, rubber and sugar. The OLAM, SIAT -Gabon and SUCAF -Gabon groups, 
already present in the country, are often partners in these initiatives, but new international groups 
such as India's L7H are also showing interest. Gabon's ambition is to become a major African 
exporter of rubber and palm oil, and to resume sugar exports in the subregion.  
4.24.  Gabon is currently carrying out a General Agricultural Census with technical support from the 
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and financing from the World Bank 
under the National Statistics Development System. The previous cens us of the sector was conducted 
in the 1970s. A reform of agricultural training is also under way.  
4.25.  Based on the definition in the International Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic 
Activities, the simple arithmetic average of CET rates applied  to agricultural products (including from 
livestock, fisheries and forestry activities) is 23.8 %. The most -favoured -nation  tariff rates applied 
by Gabon to agricultural products are, with a few exceptions, aligned with the CEMAC CET 
(Section  3.1.2.1). In a ddition, some private agrifood enterprises (SIAT -Gabon, SMAG, 
SUCAF -Gabon) still benefit from production or marketing monopolies (wheat imports, edible oil 
production, sugar production and marketing), together with various concessions under their fiscal 
and customs agreements ( Section  3.3.5).  
4.26.  The main weaknesses in Gabon's agricultural policy include a lack of coordination and land 
ownership issues. Delays in land -use planning and the allocation of productive land, combined with 
a shortage of agricultural l and, have limited the increase in the number of farms planned under 
agricultural development programmes. The CNAT was not established until 2017103 and the National 
Land Allocation Plan (PNAT) has still not been approved. The PNAT will become the main tool for 
land allocation104, with delays in allocating land having been cited as one of the obstacles to the 
GRAINE Programme. The Law on Special Investment Zones is expected to be approved shortly and 
could enable the creation of the ZAPs envisaged under the PS GE. However, the incentives available 
to investors established in these "agricultural free zones" have still not been specified.  
4.27.  The Gabonese Sustainable Development Fund, provided for in the Green Gabon Operational 
Plan and intended to mobilize resources to finance the Plan's priority actions, has not yet been set 
up. In 2017, the Government launched the Agricultural Development Fund (FDA), which will support 
efforts to build operators' capacity. Initially, the FDA will work to develop crop and production 
insurance products to protect farmers' incomes. The FDA is being set up as part of phase 1 of the 
support project for the Graine Programme (PAPG1).  
4.28.  As part of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, the National 
Agricultural Investment and Food and Nutrition Security Programme for 2014 -20 has been 
 
102 PRODIAG, progress re port No. 18, Q1 2016.  
103 Decree No. 0212/MEPPDD created the CNAT, which, in a transitional phase, allocated 45,200  ha to 
the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Entrepreneurship responsible for the implementation of the 
GRAINE  Programme in October 2019 . 
104 The PNAT will enable the resolution of conflicts arising from overlapping concessions currently 
granted to different stakeholders in various economic sectors.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  formulated and should serve as a reference framework for all actions in the agricultural and rural 
sector. With the support of the FAO, the National Agricultural Mechanization Strategy was deve loped 
as part of a project for sustainable food intensification. However, the impact of these initiatives on 
agricultural policy, including the achievement of its objectives, is not yet clear.  
4.29.  Although the agricultural policy recognizes the importance of a gricultural and veterinary 
research, Gabon does not appear to be providing sufficient support for its development. There are 
two research institutes in the sector: the Agricultural and Forestry Research Institute (IRAF) and the 
National Higher Institute of  Agriculture and Biotechnology. ORIAM, which was previously an 
independent research agency, was absorbed by ADAG when the latter was created.  
4.1.3   Policy by subsector  
4.1.3.1   Coffee and cocoa  
4.30.  Within the Ministry of the Economy, the Directorate -General of the Gabonese S tabilization and 
Equalization Fund, commonly known as CAISTAB, plays a leading role in the subsector. It is 
responsible for implementing policies to finance and improve national production and the processing, 
transport and international marketing of coffee  and cocoa.  
4.31.  The policy to revitalize the coffee and cocoa subsector introduced at the end of the 2000s did 
not produce the expected results. Although production increased between 2009 and 2012 from 
300 to 500 tonnes per year, the production target of 2,500  tonnes per year was not achieved. The 
reasons for this underperformance are the low profitability of production, the ageing of both 
plantations and growers, and a lack of technical assistance.105 
4.32.  Table 4.2 shows that, despite an increase in cocoa production volumes (with a rise in 
CAISTAB  purchases), Gabon's cocoa exports have not shown a stable trend since 2015. After a peak 
of 100  tonnes exported in 2017, exports in 2019 -22 did not exceed 35 tonn es per year. Moreover, 
the highest export volumes - in 2017 - coincided with historically low international cocoa prices.106 
Coffee production remains low and is sold almost entirely to local processors. Together, coffee and 
cocoa production did not exceed 136 tonnes in 2018, and cocoa exports declined sharply (60 tonnes) 
owing to CAISTAB building up stocks in anticipation of better prices. Data for recent years (2019 -22) 
do not indicate a recovery in these two subsectors. At the end of 2015, there were 3,00 0 coffee 
growers cultivating 600 ha of coffee, and 2,000 ha of cocoa.  
Table 4.2 Production, sales and exports of cocoa and coffee, 2012 -22 
(Tonnes)  
 2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Cocoa             
Purchases (tonnes)  94.97  121.2  69.4 53.6 74.65  94.8 65.4 109.0  63.1 111.1  127.4  
Local sales (tonnes)  .. .. .. 2.7 5.1 4.8 3.0 16.0 50.2 48.5 83.1 
Exports (tonnes)  .. .. .. 60.3 0.0 100.4  60.0 25.0 34.0 25.1 25.1 
Exports (value)a 182.73  156.41  122.18  36.99  0.22 199.17  120.77  35.86  48.69  46.02  46.1 
Farm gate price 
cocoa G1 (CFAF/kg)  1,000  1,000  1,000  1,000  1,000  1,100  1,000  800 1,000  1,000  1,000  
Farm gate price 
cocoa G2 (CFAF/kg)  650 650 650 650 650 800 800 750 800 800 800 
Coffee             
Purchases (tonnes)  295.49  102.5  23.0 24.7 49.2 22.1 20.5 13.0 19.1 24.9 15.5 
Local sales (tonnes)  .. .. 35.1 17.9 15.3 13.7 30.0 4.0 0.0 8 10.1 
Exports (tonnes)  .. .. 60.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Exports (value)a 19.11  18.80  0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 
105 N'Gouloakia (2014).  
106 There have also been sharp declines in imports of cocoa (USD 6.62 mil lion in 2012; USD 3.76 million 
in 2018) and coffee (USD 1.12 million in 2012; USD 0.4 million in 2018).  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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   2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022  
Farm gate price 
(coffee husks) 
CFAF/kg  500 500 500 500 550 550 600 600 600 600 600 
.. Not available.  
a Value in  thousands of USD . 
Source:  National authorities, several versions of the Report on the Gabonese Economy, CAISTAB.  
4.33.  Coffee imports are subject to an average tariff of 28 %, with rates ranging from 5 % to 30 %. 
Imports of cocoa beans and by -products (cocoa butter and cocoa paste) are subj ect to the 30 % CET. 
Locally produced coffee and cocoa are not subject to VAT (Table 3.1).  
4.34.  The Green Gabon Operational Plan has set a production target of 10,000 tonnes per year (for 
the two crops combined) by 2025, over an area of 15,500 ha.  Gourmet coffee  production is being 
promoted to maintain the competitiveness of small family farms. According to the plans developed 
for this subsector, the increase in national production and the improvement in its quality will be 
made possible by creating new plantatio ns and rejuvenating the workforce (Young Coffee and Cocoa 
Entrepreneur Programme (JECCA)), regenerating old orchards, mastering statistical data for the 
subsector, professionalizing stakeholders, complying with standards and boosting research and 
developme nt. To compensate for the lack of high -yielding planting material (the Coffee Cutting 
Centre  in Okondja, Haut -Ogooué and the Elite Cocoa Tree Propagation Centre  in Minkong, 
Woleu -Ntem are currently in a very advanced state of deterioration and cannot be us ed), CAISTAB 
has started to produce coffee seedlings locally in its timber yard in Kélé, Haut -Ogooué, and imports 
improved cocoa seeds from Sao Tome and Principe. To meet the challenge of the low involvement 
of young people in the subsector, CAISTAB has al so set up JECCA to help to rejuvenate the 
workforce.  
4.35.  Launched in 2016 by CAISTAB, the CFAF  200 million Coffee/Cocoa Purchasing Fund is a 
central mechanism in this recovery policy; it guarantees the purchase of all production from 
Gabonese farmers. In 2021 -22, the guaranteed price paid to farmers for one kilogram was 
CFAF 1,000.  
4.36.  Initiatives to improve the productivity of cooperatives in the subsector encourage the use of 
biofertilizers, in addition to technical and organizational support under the GRAINE Pro gramme. In 
partnership with SOTRADER, 3,000 ha of coffee and cocoa plantations should be developed. The aim 
is to achieve a quality production of 1,093 tonnes of coffee and 3,261.6 tonnes of cocoa over five 
years, as set out in the PSGE. The strategy is ba sed on six strategic priorities: (1) increase 
production, (2) improve quality, (3) set up an efficient marketing system, (4) professionalize the 
subsectors, (5) promote local consumption and processing, and (6) boost research and development. 
The total cos t is CFAF  29 billion, of which CFAF  12 billion for coffee and CFAF  17 billion for cocoa. 
The town of Bitam in the province of Woleu -Ntem has been identified as a potential site for the 
development of a ZAP for the cultivation of coffee and cocoa.  
4.37.  As far as  processing is concerned, there is strong demand for finished coffee and cocoa 
products, but national production is not sufficient to meet this demand, as the coffee and cocoa 
value chains are not professionalized, hence the need to promote local processin g. With the support 
of private developers, CAISTAB encourages public -private investment in local coffee and cocoa 
processing (support for young local processors and training of young people and women in roasting, 
being a barista, manufacturing coffee and c ocoa by -products, selling coffee in coffee kiosks, etc.). 
This represents an opportunity to build an industry around these cash crops to create added value, 
promote Gabonese labels and enable the emergence of new stakeholders through industrialization 
and a profound transformation of this sector of activity.  
4.38.  Gabon is a member of the International Coffee Organization.  
4.1.3.2   Market garden produce  
4.39.  Market gardens supply vegetables to large towns and are located in peri -urban areas. Leafy 
vegetables account for the bulk of peri -urban market garden production, and fruit and bulbs are also WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 266 - 
  grown. Almost all the production is sold through wholesalers who buy directly from producers.107 A 
substantial number of foreign workers, mainly from Burkina Faso, engage in market ga rden 
production in Gabon.108 Domestic market garden production is insufficient to meet the demand for 
fresh produce, and a large proportion is imported, especially from Cameroon. In 2015, Gabon's 
vegetable imports accounted for 33 % of Central Africa's veget able imports.109 
4.40.  In 2020, market garden produce output was 772 tonnes. The table below displays the main 
market garden crops in Gabon according to the area sown for each crop. In 2020110, market 
gardening and food crop production performed well. Market garde n production consolidated at 
772 tonnes, while food crop production rose by 4.2 % to 449 tonnes. This was due to better yields 
from cultivated areas (adoption of new cultivation techniques) and good disease management, in 
particular of the tuta absoluta  disease that affects tomatoes.  
Table 4.3 Main market garden produce in Gabon by production volume, 2012 -21 
(Tonnes)  
 2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Pineapples  1,250  1,164.32  1,200  1,236.03  1,200.12  1,227.94  121.36  1,216.47  121.93  1,919.92  
Groundnuts, 
unshelled  23,677.96  25,360.97  27,000  30,000  29,000  35,000  32,000  33,791.92  35,996.34  37,984.25  
Aubergines  221.7  210.15  213.12  227.6  216.96  226.27  223.61  222.28  224.05  223.31  
Citrus fruit  1,300  1,325.12  1,351.29  1,334.72  1,334.81  1,333.05  1,384.29  1,399.34  1,372.23  1,385.29  
Bananas  17,000  17,241.83  17,485.09  18,212.86  17,646.6  17,405.76  18,293.16  18,239.42  18,403.2  18,577.27  
Yams  200,000  210,000  214,122  216,212  220,042  223,874  220,043  221,320  221,745  221,036  
Maize  41,707  42,501  43,117  43,730  44,272  44,733  45,590  44,865  45,063  45,172  
Sweet potatoes  3,500  3,700  3,907  3,780  3,770  3,740  3,763  3,758  3,754  3,758  
Fresh tomatoes  527.63  437.72  418.33  414.13  412.05  416.78  420.53  416.36  416.31  416.96  
Fresh 
vegetables  50,000  47,805  47,681  49,105  50,340  49,042  49,496  49,626  49,388  49,503  
Source:  FAO Stat.  
4.41.  To date , imports have often been needed to bridge the gap between local demand for and 
supply of market garden produce such as onions, apples, oranges, pears, cassava (fairly widely 
consumed locally), tinned tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables. Imports of fresh and tinned 
fruit and vegetables111 rose by 25 % between 2012 and 2018, reaching a total of USD  37.9 million 
in 2018. In December  2018, Gabon experienced a shortage of cassava on its local market, which 
generated a price surge. Local production of the tubers stood at 3,600  tonnes in 2018. Problems in 
the local supply chain make it impossible to stabil ize the price of this product.  
4.42.  Under the CET, Gabon's fruit and vegetable production (excluding seeds) benefits from the 
maximum tariff protection of 30 %. Furthermore, VAT at 18 % is applied to imported fruit 
and vegetables, whereas those produced locally a re exempt. The tariff renegotiations in May  2017 
resulted in a decrease in consolidated rates on some of these products (from 60 % to between 40 % 
and 45 %). 
4.43.  The Gabonese Institute for Development Support (IGAD) remains a key player in the 
development of urba n and peri -urban agriculture. It provides motivated Gabonese nationals with 
free plots of land to grow market garden crops and, in coordination with producers' cooperatives, 
allocates plots for cultivation. IGAD provides technical support (seeds, inputs, p hytosanitary 
treatments, agricultural equipment and training), storage facilities and training for farmers. The 
Market Information System set up by IGAD currently has national coverage and provides information 
(on prices, product origin, seasonal quantitie s) to producers, traders, carriers and consumers.  
4.44.  Between 2010 and 2016, IGAD implemented PRODIAG, which provided technical and 
management support to peri -urban farmers. Of the 1,000 new farms established thanks to PRODIAG, 
140 are market gardens. As part of the Green Gabon pillar of the PSGE, the aim is to achieve a 
 
107 Loudit, Ndong and Francis (2017).  
108 The General Agricultural Census currently under way should provide more precise information on this 
subject.  
109 Loudit, Ndong and Francis (2017).  
110 Report on the Gabonese Economy, situation in 2020 and outlook for 2021 -22. 
111 Various products included in HS Chapters 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 20.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  market garden production of 82,600 tonnes. The second phase of PRODIAG should also help to 
increase the number of producers and the volume of market garden produce.  
4.45.  Shortages of cassava on the local market have led to it being one of the main products 
promoted under the GRAINE Programme.  
4.46.  Other crops that Gabon is seeking to revive through agricultural development programmes 
include rice and maize. As domestic rice production is minimal, almost a ll the rice consumed (around 
58,000 tonnes) is imported; in 2021, imports amounted to more than USD  52 million.  
4.1.3.3   Other products  
4.47.  With a view to improving production levels of crops such as rubber and diversifying domestic 
production into new crops, Gabon has  established public -private partnerships with investors, 
including the OLAM International group. Under this partnership, in which the Gabonese Government 
has a 40 % stake, the focus is on two crops: rubber and palm oil. Over 136,000 ha across two sites 
have been granted in concession for oil palm plantations112, and 36,000 ha for rubber trees.  
4.48.  The rubber industry already had a major operator, the Société belge d'investissement pour 
l'agriculture tropicale (SIAT). SIAT -Gabon's rubber and oil palm investments h ave been taken over 
by the OLAM group. Despite the arrival of this new stakeholder, the sector continues to decline. 
In 2021, wet rubber production (19,714 tonnes) was only a fraction of that recorded in 2012 
(40,834  tonnes). As a result, exports of milled  rubber fell considerably over the same period. Ageing 
plantations, fewer staff bleeding trees and logistical problems are among the reasons for this 
decline.113 
4.49.  According to the 2020 Report on the Gabonese Economy114, the natural rubber industry 
recorded a decrease in activity in 2020. As a result, domestic production of cup lump natural rubber 
declined by 9.9 % to 17,566 tonnes. Similarly, milling of rubber in 50 kg granules fell by 8.8 % to 
7,324 tonnes. In terms of trade, the 8.8 % fall in granule  exports led to a 5.8 % drop in turnover to 
CFAF 7.4 billion. Investments made in 2020, down 8.2 % compared to 2019, were mainly in 
agricultural equipment and vehicles. In terms of employment, despite the opening of 
OLAM  plantations, staff numbers fell by 12 .5% to 1,007, with a wage bill of CFAF  3.1 billion, a sharp 
decline ( -44.3%) compared with the same period in 2019.  
4.50.  Palm oil production has increased significantly following the maturation of palms115 from 
batches 2 and 3 of the Mouila plantations. OLAM pro duction began in 2015 with a harvest of 
4,924  tonnes of palm clusters and reached 449,748 tonnes in 2021. The group owns two processing 
plants at its production sites in Kango and Mouila. In 2021, production of red palm oil was 
107,336  tonnes and palm kernel oil (extracted from the kernels), 6,035 tonnes. In the same year, 
exports of crude palm oil (red palm and kernel combined) reached 56,123 tonnes; exports amounted 
to CFAF  40.4 billion in 2021, with Cameroon as the main destination. A ccording to the daily 
newspaper l'Union116, the Cameroon Refiners Association announced that it had imported 
120,000  tonnes of palm oil from Gabon in 2021. By 2021, the industry was directly generating 
5,000  jobs. Imported refined palm oil is subject to a 3 0% customs duty (under the CEMAC CET); 
domestic production is exempt from VAT, and imported products are subject to a reduced rate of 
10% (Table  3.2). Between 2012 and 2018, edible oil imports halved ( -52%), with refined palm oil 
(-91%) accounting for the bulk of the decline.117 The 2020 Report on the Gabonese Economy shows 
that the number of employees fell by 25.1 % to 5,724, with a total wage bill of CFAF  12.4 billion. 
SIAT continues to hold a monopoly on the import and marketing of edible oils of non -CEMAC  origin 
 
112 Palm oil production should also benefit from the establishment of small -scale oil palm plantations 
promoted by the GRAINE Programme.  
113 Strikes and cash flow problems were also among the problems faced by SIAT -Gabon in 2021.  
114 Report on the Gabonese Economy, situation in 2020 and outlook for 2021 -22. 
115 On average, a palm grove needs four to five years to become productive.  
116 Maxime Serge Mihindou, Huile végétale: où va l'huile d'OLAM , daily newspaper l'Union , 
17 November  2022. Viewed at: https://www.union.sonapresse.com/gabon -economie/huile -vegetale -ou-va-
lhuile -dolam -25721 . 
117 In 2012, refined palm oil accounted for 62 % of import volumes in this product category.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  (Section  3.3.5). In addition, batch 3 of the Mouila plantation was certified by the Roundtable on 
Sustainable Palm Oil in 2019 for its social and sustainable management.118 
4.51.  Sugar cane production is also being promoted to meet domestic demand for pro cessing into 
granulated sugar. This expansion of domestic cultivation should be achieved through a public -private 
partnership ( Section  4.4). Gabon aims to be self -sufficient in sugar. With this in mind, in 2020, the 
Gabonese Government awarded SUCAF, Somdi aa's Gabonese subsidiary, 8,751 ha of land in the 
province of Haut -Ogooué. This additional area should enable increased sugar cane production in the 
country, not only to satisfy local demand but also to boost exports of by -products.119 SUCAF aims 
to increas e production in order to expand in the subregion. According to data from the Report on 
the Gabonese Economy, sugar production performed well in 2021. Thanks to favourable weather 
conditions, the production of sugar in 50 kg granules totalled 26,004 tonnes,  up 14.9 % on the 
previous year.120 
4.52.  Another area where Gabon is seeking to reduce its dependence on imports is poultry meat, 
for which domestic demand has risen steadily. In 2021, imports of poultry meat reached 
USD 97.7 million.121 Domestic meat production i s exempt from VAT, while imports are subject to the 
reduced rate (10 %) and a CET rate of 5 %. The second phase of PRODIAG will focus on chicken, pig 
and sheep rearing. At the same time, the Government has set up a partnership with the Indian 
company L7H to breed sheep on the Ngounié ranch, with an expected investment of CFAF  20 billion. 
However, this partnership is  not yet operational. The same company is also active in chicken farming 
and large -scale maize and soya cultivation in Gabon.  
4.1.4   Fishing and aquacult ure 
4.53.  Fisheries  in Gabon are divided into five zones in accordance with Decree No.  0579/PR/MPE of 
30 November  2015 setting the terms and conditions for fishing:  
• inland waters, with inland fishing being reserved for Gabonese nationals;  
• river mouths out to thr ee nautical miles reserved exclusively for small -scale sea fishing;  
• The 3 to 6,000 nautical mile zone dedicated to small -scale, sport and traditional fishing by 
people of all nationalities, and to Gabonese industrial fishing companies whose vessels are 
Gabonese -registered and weigh a maximum of 200 tonnes;  
• the 6 to 12,000 nautical mile zone dedicated to small -scale, sport and traditional fishing 
by people of all nationalities, and to Gabonese, joint and foreign industrial fishing 
companies whose vessels wei gh a maximum of 200 tonnes;  
• the zone beyond 12,000 nautical miles to the outer limit of the EEZ, where deep -sea 
fishing takes place.  
4.54.  Inland fishing is exclusively small -scale and involves motorized and non -motorized dugout 
canoes. In 2021, inland fishing p roduced some 1,347.61 tonnes. Small -scale sea fishing is dominated 
by foreign fishers, particularly Beninese and Nigerian nationals, and produced around 
15,794.93  tonnes in 2021. The small -scale fleet in Gabon's maritime waters totalled around 
650 dugout c anoes in 2021 and exploits mainly small pelagic coastal species and demersal species. 
In 2021, around 48 vessels, of which 19 were Gabonese -registered (three national shipping 
companies), were engaged in industrial coastal fishing. Deep -sea fishing vessels  exploiting tuna 
resources off the coast of Gabon operated under the fishing agreement with the European Union and 
 
118 Viewed at: https://www.rspo.org/certification/search -for-certified -growers . 
119 Sandrine Gaingne, Les importations de sucre au Gabon baissent de 44 % sur les neuf premi ers mois 
de l'année 2021 , Le Nouveau Gabon , 3 February 2022. Viewed at: 
https://www.lenouveauga bon.com/fr/economie/0302 -18014 -les-importations -de-sucre -au-gabon -baissent -de-
44-sur-les-neuf-premiers -mois-de-l-annee -2021. 
120 Brice Gotoa, Sucre:  Sucaf Gabon veut étendre sa production dans la sous -région , Le Nouveau Ga bon 
(online), 17 May 2022, https://www.lenouveaugabon.com/fr/agro -bois/1705 -18457 -sucre -sucaf-gabon -veut-
etendre -sa-produc tion-dans-la-sous-region . 
121 In addition, turkey meat imports amounted to USD 19.3 million in 2018.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  private tuna fishing licences (29 vessels, mainly Spanish and French). Foreign vessels may fish in 
Gabon's EEZ under bilateral agreement, or if chartered by  Gabonese natural or legal persons.  
4.55.  Apart from deep -sea catches, which are not landed in Gabon owing to a lack of appropriate 
port infrastructure and services, Gabonese exports of fisheries products consist of  crustaceans, 
molluscs and fish,  shipped frozen. Total exports did not exceed USD  3 million in 2018122, and the 
main market is China, which imports two thirds of the volume. Despite being fished to a significant 
degree in Gabonese waters123, tuna is not included in Gabon's fisheries export  statistics; the largest 
export product is frozen fish.  
4.56.  Aquaculture  is a fringe activity, and tilapia is the most frequently raised species. In 2017, 
production was estimated at 45 tonnes. The industry has yet to be revitalized despite a number of 
support projects, such as the various fish farms built and scattered around the country.  
4.57.  Gabon is the country with the second -highest annual consumption of fish per capita in Africa 
(34.5 kg/year/inhabitant)124 and, given its production levels, has a gap to fill to  meet domestic 
demand. Since 2012, Gabon has imported more than USD  44 million a year in fish products, mainly 
frozen fish. The total import value has risen by 20 % in that time. Imports of tinned sardines have 
almost doubled in value (+86 %) over the period . 
4.58.  Domestic production of fish (fresh, frozen, smoked and canned) is exempt from VAT, while 
imported products are subject to the standard rate of 18 % (Table 3.2). No other customs duties are 
levied on fresh and frozen fish, while the CEMAC CET rates are applied to smoked fish (20 %) and 
canned fish (30 %). Canned fish is covered by the national programme to reduce the high cost of 
living and is subject t o the 0 % rate. Fish imports are subject to an overall reduced rate of 5 %. 
4.59.  Fisheries and aquaculture in Gabon are regulated by Law No.  15/2005 on the Fisheries and 
Aquaculture Code of the Gabonese Republic. The sustainable management of resources is one of the 
objectives of these regulations. Accordingly, licences are required for small -scale and industrial 
fishing. Small -scale fishing licences are valid for one calendar year and cost between CFAF  50,000 
and CFAF  200,000, depending on the fishing technique a nd area. In 2021, 650 fishing licences were 
issued. An annual fishers' card priced at CFAF  10,000 is also required for staff on board vessels. 
Production taxes by type of fish or mollusc and a sanitary fee also apply.  
4.60.  An industrial fishing licence is requi red for Gabonese - and foreign -registered vessels. Any 
vessel operating in the zone reserved for local industrial fishing must be Gabonese -registered and 
obtain a licence costing between USD  5,725 and USD  11,650, depending on the gross tonnage of 
the specie s in question. For deep -sea fishing, the cost of the licence ranges from USD  34,000 to 
USD 178,600 (depending on the type of agreement) for foreign -registered vessels. To date, there 
are no Gabonese -registered vessels engaged in deep -sea fishing.  
4.61.  In a bid to ensure the sustainable use of resources, Gabon has banned fishing in river mouths 
and marine parks. In addition, the use of fishing gear that is not very selective is prohibited. Each 
year, fishing for bonga shad ( ethmalosa fimbriata ) is suspended for t wo months from 1  October to 
30 November.  
4.62.  The Code provides for the imposition of duties, taxes and various fees fixed by the Budget  
Laws. Investment in the fisheries subsector is governed by  the National Investment Charter.  
4.63.  The Gabonese Government launched  a reform of the subsector's institutional framework 
through Decrees No.  0373/PR/MAEPSA and No.  0375/PR/MAEPSA of 21  October  2014. The reform 
provided for the reorganization of the Directorate -General of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGPA), 
which had until th en been the sole authority responsible for the subsector. The reorganization 
brought in the Fisheries Directorate responsible for small -scale and industrial fishing. A new 
Directorate for the Assessment and Management of Inland and Maritime Resources and a  new 
Directorate of Quality and Fish Processing Industries were created. In December  2014, responsibility 
 
122 USD 2.62 million.  
123 According to the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, 20 % of the tuna caught in 
the Atlantic Ocean in 2017 came from Gabonese waters. Viewed at: https://fcwc -fish.org/uncategorized/le -
gabon -renforce -le-controle -de-la-peche -au-thon. 
124 FAO (2017).  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  for fisheries health was transferred to AGASA (by Decision No.  00086/MAEPSA/SG/DCAJ of 
19 December  2014 on the powers of the Gabonese Food Safety Agen cy with regard to the safety of 
fishery and aquaculture products). Following the reform, the DGPA's activities focus on policy and 
management issues and on the enforcement of laws and regulations.  
4.64.  The Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the European Union  is the only bilateral agreement 
in force. It was signed on 4  June 2007 for an initial period of six years, with tacit renewal; a protocol 
on the implementation of the Agreement for the years 2013 -16 was adopted. The protocol allowed 
up to 27 freezer tuna seiners and eight pole -and-line vessels to fish in  Gabonese waters, subject to 
a fishing licence issued by the Gabonese authorities125 against payment. The  financial contribution 
was EUR  1,350,000 a year, of which EUR  900,000 was earmarked for  the Gabonese State budget 
and EUR  450,000 went to support fisheries policy in Gabon. This  payment was for annual catches of 
up to 20,000 tonnes. Under the protocol, shipowners were charged a national fee per seiner or 
pole-and-line vessel of EUR  13,750 per year and a f lat fee of EUR  65 per tonne fished.126 By 2016, 
22 deep -sea fishing licences had been issued to four EU -registered shipping lines under the 
Agreement. Negotiations on a new protocol began in 2016 and were not concluded until 2021; the 
financial contribution  amounts to EUR  2,600,000 per year, and the new protocol covers the years 
2021-26. The agreement will allow a maximum of 27 tuna seiners, six pole -and-line tuna vessels 
and possibly four deep -water crustacean trawlers to operate in Gabonese waters. The max imum 
annual catch is set at 32,000 tonnes.  
4.65.  The Blue Gabon component of the Green Gabon pillar of the PSGE focuses on protecting 
Gabon's marine fauna, with 26 % of the EEZ having been classified as a marine protected area 
(nine marine parks and 11 aquatic re serves). Among other legislative measures to promote 
sustainable development, industrial fishing is banned in all the marine parks and some of the aquatic 
reserves ( four out of 11).  
4.66.  4.66. The country has a satellite system to monitor the activities of fish ing vessels. 
Since  2021, beacons have been compulsory on small -scale maritime fishing vessels so that their 
activities can also be tracked by satellite. The beacons are being introduced gradually to cover the 
entire small -scale maritime fleet. The authorit ies in the subsector also rely on the collaboration of 
institutions with control tools (Navy, National Gendarmerie, Army Light Aviation, National Parks 
Agency). More recently, Gabon has established a partnership with NGOs to combat illegal, 
unreported and unregulated fishing. Vessels from these organizations enable it to conduct checks 
on the high seas (Operation Albacore with the NGO Sea Shepherd Conservation Society since 2016).  
4.67.  In September  2021, the Ministry of Fisheries suspended prawn fishing indefini tely. A scientific 
study is currently being conducted by the IRAF hydrobiological laboratory to determine how this 
fishery can resume.  
4.68.  Although fishing vessels are subject to customs duties of 10 % and are exempt from VAT 
(Table 3.1), the renewal of industr ial fishing equipment and the motorization of dugout canoes are 
not taking place, with the number of industrial fishing vessels having fallen significantly since 2000.  
4.1.5   Forestry  
4.69.  Logging remains a key subsector of Gabonese agriculture. In 2018, it was the la rgest 
private -sector employer, with 7.1 % of the workforce (around 13,800 direct and indirect jobs), 
and the third-largest source of export earnings. More than 400 wood species have been identified in 
Gabonese forests but only a small number, including okoumé and ozigo , are used for timber 
production in Gabon.  
4.70.  Logging is carried out in the permanent area of the State through forestry concessions under 
sustainable development (CFADs) and associated forestry permits (PFAs). The State's permanent 
forest area co vers about 14  million hectares, of which 12,739,939 hectares were allocated to 
nine CFADs, 259,883 hectares to 51 community forests and almost 2  million hectares to PFAs.  
 
125 Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the 
Gabonese  Republic . 
126 The flat fee was set at EUR 55 per tonne fished during the first year in which th e protocol was in 
force.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 271 - 
  4.71.  Forestry production was around 2.1  million m3 in 2018, up 60 % from the volume of rough 
wood  in 2016. Despite a strong desire for greater diversification of logged species, okoumé  still 
accounts for 58 % of domestic production. Gabon has imposed a log export ban since 2010 in order 
to encourage local processing ( Section  4.4). 
4.72.  Forestry is governed by Law No.  016/2001 of 31  December  2001 establishing the Forestry 
Code of Gabon, whose implementation falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Water 
Resources and Forests. The Code aims to achieve the sustainable management of  water resources 
and forests, fauna and flora. Gabon is a party to the Treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable 
Management of Forest Ecosystems in Central Africa.  
4.73.  Under the Forestry Code, there are three types of industrial logging permit, two of which 
are strictly reserved for Gabonese nationals: the mutual agreement permit, with  an annual logging 
limit of 50 trees, and the PFA, which covers a  maximum area of 15,000 hectares. The third type of 
permit, the CFAD, is granted for large areas of forest (50,00 0 to 200,000 hectares), generally  logged 
by foreign enterprises. The CFAD involves obligations in respect of forest management and local 
processing.  
4.74.  Taking into account the State's export ban on rough wood  and the amend ed Budget  Law of 
2020, the felling ta x is levied at the customs cordon in the form of an export tax at varying rates 
depending on the level of processing of wood products. The export of primary wood products is 
subject to a tax rate of 7.5 % of the f.o.b. value, secondary wood products are sub ject to a 3 % tax, 
while tertiary products are exempt from tax. In addition to export duties on processed wood 
products, the holders of logging permits other than the mutual agreement permit are subject to an 
area tax of: CFAF  600/ha for CFADs, CFAF  300/ha for certified CFADs and CFAF  800/ha for managed 
concessions and unused PFAs.  
4.75.  The objective of the Green Gabon Operational Plan was to increase wood production without 
extending logging areas. Since the introduction of the local log processing policy in 201 0 and the 
installation of timber processing units, wood species other than okoumé are currently being logged. 
Species such as pao rosa, ayelé, ozigo and andoung  are used in the manufacture of quality plywood, 
allowing Gabon to be in the top five quality pl ywood producers.  
4.76.  Measures were adopted during the period under review to ensure the sustainable 
management of Gabonese forests. Decree No.  099/PR/MFE of 19  March  2018 banned the felling of 
kévazingo  and classified it as non -exploitable to ensure biodiversi ty conservation and combat illegal 
logging. Order No.  937/MEFEDD/SG/DGFAP of 11  July 2018 provided for the development of a 
wildlife protection plan and imposed an obligation on all timber harvesters to submit an annual report 
on protection activities. In addition, a wildlife protection certificate of conformity is necessary to 
operate any forestry concession.  
4.77.  Stakeholde rs in the forestry subsector have also benefited from the assistance of international 
partners, in particular support and dialogue regardin g the industrialization of the subsector and help 
in strengthening capacities to monitor and control the sustainable exploitation of Gabonese 
forests.127 Combating illegal logging is a recurring issue despite the implementation of forest 
management plans.  
4.2  Mining, energy and water  
4.2.1   Mining products  
4.78.  Gabon remains the world's second -largest producer of high -grade manganese ore after 
South  Africa, notably thanks to the Moanda deposit, where the average manganese content is 46 %. 
The mine in Moanda is operated by th e Ogooué Mining Company, which is 63.7 % owned by the 
French Eramet group and 28.45 % owned by the Gabonese State. Apart from this deposit, two other 
companies are active in manganese operations: Nouvelle Gabon Mining (NGM), which is backed by 
Indian capital128 and operates two deposits (Biniomi in Franceville and Lebaye in Okondja ), and the 
Chinese Hangzhou Industrial and Commercial Mining Company, which operates a deposit in Ndjolé. 
 
127 Both projects were supported by the French Development Agency.  
128 SEM holds a 10 % stake in NGM, which came into being as a result of the purchase of 
four BHP Billiton operating permits.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  In January  2020, NGM became the first company to sign an exploitation and production -sharing 
contract (CEPP) under the new Mining Code for a manganese  deposit in Okondja.  
4.79.  Gabon exports its manganese in the form of raw ore, silico manganese and electrolytic metal 
manganese, an essential input for steel production. However, infrastructure issues such as frequent 
train derailments cause delays in the trans port of ore to ports. Manganese exports are subject to  an 
export tax of 3.5 % of their reference price.129 
4.80.  The Gabonese Mining Code was revised twice during the review period.130 The most recent 
revision was carried out through the enactment of Law No.  037/20 18 of 11  June 2019, which fully 
replaced the previous law.  
4.81.  The new Mining Code gives flexibility to ensure the effective participation of the State in 
mining operators through production -sharing. The Equatorial Mining Company (SEM), a Gabonese 
public compa ny, is responsible for marketing the State's production shares. The proportional mining 
royalty (RMP) must be paid in cash and becomes a progressive tax of up to 10 %, instead of 5 % 
under the previous Code. For investors, the Code provides a corporate tax r eduction from 35 % to 
30% of profits and limits international export duties to 1 %, compared to 3 % previously.  
4.82.  According to the Mining Code, all resources contained in the soil and subsoil are the property 
of the State. Administered by the Ministry responsib le for mining, the Mining Code governs the 
prospecting, exploration, exploitation, processing, transportation and marketing of viable mineral 
substances contained in the soil or subsoil (with the exception of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons 
and groundwater ). The new Mining Code distinguishes between three regimes: the Small -Scale 
Mining Activities Regime, the Quarrying Regime and the Mining Regime.  
4.83.  Substances subject to  concession, in other words, those falling under the general mining 
regime, are eligible for an authorization to prospect in a given area, granted  for a non-renewable 
period of one year against payment of CFAF  500,000. In addition, the exploration permit, granted 
for a period of three years at CFAF  1 million, is renewable twice (at a cost of C FAF 2.5 million for the 
first renewal and CFAF  3 million for the second). The exploitation permit may be granted to holders 
of exploration permits for a period of five years (CFAF  7.5 million), 10 years (CFAF  15 million) or 
20 years (CFAF  30 million), rene wable as many times as necessary for periods of three years 
(CFAF  15 million), five years (CFAF  30 million) or 10 years (CFAF  60 million). In 2018, a total of 
48 exploitation licences were granted to 31 companies of different nationalities, together with n ine 
exploration licences for mineral substances subject to concession.  
4.84.  These mining titles give the holders the right to dispose freely of the minerals extracted. Each 
mining title is accompanied by a mining agreement concluded with the State that lays dow n the 
rights and obligations of the parties131 and establishes the RMP  rate applied to the taxable value of 
the substance mined. These rights include, in particular, fiscal and customs measures such as: 
exemption from corporation tax and personal income tax, and from the flat -rate minimum tax, for 
the period of the agreement  (initial period and renewal); reimbursement of VAT invoiced by local 
suppliers of goods and services; advances by the State for work performed or information compiled 
beforehand on the company's behalf; and temporary admission of a list of imported suppli es, 
materials, products, machinery, equipment and tools, exclusively intended for and actually allocated 
to prospecting.  
4.85.  In Gabon, the export of mining products is free for enterprises holding an exploitation permit 
or a concession for the mining product c oncerned. In other cases, an export authorization is issued 
by the Ministry. The export of  precious substances also requires a certificate of origin issued at a 
cost of CFAF  50,000 for diamonds and CFAF  25,000 for other substances, in addition to endorseme nt 
by the customs  authorities.  
4.86.  Gabon also has large reserves of iron that have yet to be exploited, together with phosphate 
and other mineral deposits (including diamonds, lead, zinc and titanium). The exploitation of other 
minerals had ceased, including u ranium exploited by the French company Areva until 1999, and gold 
 
129 The export tax on gold ranges from 1 % to 3% depending on the content of the ore; this value is 
determined according to the agreement between the mining operator and the State.  
130 The first revision was enacted by Law No.  017/2014 of 30 January 2015.  
131 Article 35 of Law No. 5/2000 of 12 October 2000 . WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 273 - 
  from the Bakoudou mine by the Moroccan company Managem until 2017. The first partnership 
contract under the new Mining Code concerns gold mining. It was signed with the Chinese company 
Jilin Mining Resources in October  2019 but covers only two small operations.  
4.87.  According to Article 5 of Order No.  0016/MPMEAC/MEEDD of 7  August  2013 regulating the 
marketing and small -scale and industrial exploitation of ferrous and non -ferrous scrap in the 
Gabonese Republic, ferrous and non -ferrous scrap may be sold for export and exported only by duly 
authorized companies after meeting the needs of industry and local artisans using this resource as 
a raw material.  
4.88.  In September  2021, Gabon was readmitted to the Extractive Industries Transparency 
Initiative (EITI).  
4.2.2   Petroleum products and natural gas  
4.89.  Oil has been the largest source of Gabonese exports since 1957 and accounts for almost 
two thirds (65.1 %) of the total value of exports. After a considerable drop in o il revenue between 
2014 and 2016 and the closure of several wells, crude oil exports exceeded USD  2.4 billion in 2018 
(Table 4.4). This crisis was followed by mergers between the major operators in the oil industry. 
Perenco bought five exploited fields and  holdings in exploration blocks from Total Gabon for 
USD 350 million in May  2017. In the same year, Assala Energy purchased all of Shell Gabon's assets 
(five exploited fields, holdings in four non -exploited fields and one onshore pipeline network) for 
USD 620 million.  
Table 4.4 Exports and imports of petroleum products, 2015 -21 
(USD  million)  
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Exports of crude oil  2,512.4  1,652.2  1,985.4  2,434.8  2,357.5  2,126.7  2,185.8  
Exports of petroleum by -products  103.9  90.5 112.1  120.3  121.5  118.1  149 
Imports of petroleum by -products  .. .. .. .. 123.1  81.9 51.9 
.. Not available.  
Source:  National authorities.  
4.90.  Total Gabon (85,000 barrels/day) and Shell (50,000 barrels/day) are the main producers, 
with more than half of total production in 20 18. Perenco is third with 47,000 barrels/day. Next are  
Marathon Oil, which produces 26,000 barrels/day, Vaalco with 15,000 barrels/day and Addax, which 
started production in 2004, with 6,000 barrels/day.  
4.91.  In 2018, Gabon invited tenders for 37 blocks in its sedimentary basin, some of which are 
currently granted through a private agreement. In 2018 and 2019, the State's revenues from oil 
activities amounted to  CFAF 987.8  billion and CFAF  1,085  billion, respectively.  
4.92.  The regulatory framework for the oil industry has been revised twice since the  previous 
review. It was first revised by Law No.  011/2014 of 28  August  2014, but since no oil contracts could 
be signed, another revision w as required. The new Hydrocarbon Code was established by 
Law No. 002/2019 of 16  July 2019. However, not all of its implementing texts have been adopted 
yet. The Code governs exploration and exploitation activities relating to liquid or gaseous 
hydrocarbons  contained in the soil or subsoil, including in the EEZ; these resources are the property 
of the State. This regime is administered, within the Ministry of Oil, Gas, Hydrocarbons and Mines, 
by the Directorate -General of Hydrocarbons. Apart from service and  technical evaluation contracts, 
the new Code recognizes three types of hydrocarbon contracts: exploration and production -sharing 
contracts, CEPPs and exploitation agreements, with the last being reserved almost exclusively for 
the national operator and in digenous enterprises.132 Exploration and production -sharing contracts 
provide a right of preference to the beneficiary, in the event of marketable discoveries, for the 
negotiation of a CEPP.  
 
132 The new Hydrocarbon Code also provides for the possibility of concluding exploitation agreements for 
marginal or mature deposits.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 274 - 
  4.93.  Exploration or exploitation and sharing contracts give rise to the  issuance of two types of 
exclusive authorization: development and production, and exploitation, each for a total period of 
between 10 and 20 years.  
4.94.  Oil companies operating in Gabon have an obligation to sell part of their production to the 
national operat or in order to supply the local market. In the case of crude, a 15 % reduction in the 
official sale price is applied. Oil companies may export the remainder, and the official transfer price 
is set by the National Pricing Commission, which includes represent atives of the producing companies 
and the competent authorities. The State may transfer the management of its shareholdings to the 
national operator, currently the Société nationale des hydrocarbures du Gabon, commonly known 
as the Gabon Oil Company (GOC).  
4.95.  The 2019 Code reduces the State's share in CEPPs and its equity stake. For CEPPs, the State's 
share in oil exploitation is now set at no more than 45 % for the conventional area and 40 % for 
offshore.133 For gaseous hydrocarbons, the share is increased to 25 % for the conventional area and 
20% for deep offshore areas.134 The company is exempt from corporation tax, set at 35 % of profit 
after delivery to the State of its share of production. In CEPPs, the Sta te's equity stake may no 
longer exceed 10 %, compared to 20 % under Law No.  011/2014.  
4.96.  The Code reduces the RMP to between 7 % and 15 % for liquid hydrocarbons in conventional 
areas and between 5 % and 12 % for offshore. With regard to the RMP on gas, the rates r ange from 
5% to 10% in conventional areas and 2 % to 8% for offshore. Oil companies are also required to pay 
the specific area royalty (in CFAF per hectare) for an exploration or exploitation area. The royalty 
varies according to whether the hydrocarbons in  question are liquid or gaseous.  
4.97.  The activities of oil companies are eligible for the zero -rate VAT regime,  which also applies to 
such companies' purchases of imported goods and services, together with those purchased on the 
local market from authorized su ppliers.135 Law No.  002/2019 improves the recovery of petroleum 
costs for businesses and sets limits above these recovery rates of between 70 % and 90 %, depending 
on the hydrocarbon and the development area. Registration for the signing of a hydrocarbon cont ract 
and contractual amendments are subject to the payment of a negotiable bonus and determined 
according to the development area. In addition, the company is subject to parafiscal levies, including 
the payment of training costs, contributions to the Hydro carbons Support Fund and the Capital 
Development Fund, Provision for Diversified Investments and Provision for Investment in 
Hydrocarbons. Companies operating under an exploitation agreement must also pay the tax on oil.  
4.98.  Several establishment agreements, e xploitation and production -sharing contracts and 
production contracts are still valid in Gabon under the previous regime. Currently, there are 
four establishment  agreements in force for oil companies (Total Gabon, Shell Gabon and Perenco); 
23 companies have a CEPP in the exploration phase and seven companies (CNR, Total Gabon, 
Shell Gabon, Vaalco, Marathon, Addax and Maurel & Prom) have, between them, 22 contracts in the 
production phase. Nine contracts for the exploration and exploitation of o il and gas have been signed 
since the enactment of the new Code.  
4.99.  In September  2021, Gabon was readmitted to the EITI.  
4.100.   Apart from oil exploitation, the Gabonese State is present in downstream activities of the 
sector through holdings in companies engaged in  the refining, importation, distribution and storage 
of petroleum products. In addition, the Gabonese State supports the subsector by providing 
incentives ( Section  3.3.1) to the Gabonese Refining Company (SOGARA) for oil refining.  
4.101.   SOGARA has a refinery in Port-Gentil and holds a monopoly on the domestic refined 
petroleum product supply market. It exports its surpluses, including atmospheric residue, worth 
USD 216 million in 2018. In June  2019, the State's shares (25 % of the total, as indicated in 
 
133 The 2014 Code provided for 55 % and 50 % shares.  
134 Once the hydrocarbon levy has been collected to cover petroleum costs, the remaining production is 
shared between the contractor and the State under production -sharing. The State's share is determined by 
choosing one of four methods (cumulative total production available, average daily production, R factor or  
internal profitability rate). In no case may the rate be lower than the values described previously.  
135 The list of suppliers and subcontractors is drawn up jointly by the Hydrocarbon Administration and 
the Tax Administration.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 275 - 
  Table  3.6) in SOGARA were transferred to GOC, which entrusted the import and distribution of 
petroleum products to its subsidiary Gabon Oil Marketing (GOM), established in 2016. As a result, 
the monopoly on the supply of the domestic market was transferred to GOM. T o address the deficit 
in the local market, GOM imports products. As a result of production stoppages experienced by 
SOGARA, imports of petroleum products exceeded 400,000 tonnes in 2018 (over 57 % of domestic 
sales); the value of these imports amounted to a lmost USD  200 million (Table 4.4). Petroleum 
products imported for downstream activities are subject to customs duty at 10 % and VAT at 18 %. 
4.102.   Through the distribution activities of GOM, the national operator GOC engaged in distribution 
through the opening of  three service stations under the Gab'Oil brand and the transfer of 
two PetroGabon stations in debt repayment. The regulatory texts governing downstream activities 
under the new Hydrocarbon Code have not yet been published.  
4.103.   Transfer prices of refined produ cts to domestic distributors are established in accordance 
with Decree No.  0274/PR/MPH of 21  May 2015 and Order No.  003/MDDEPIP/MHP of 
29 January  2016. The most recent price increase dates from November  2019. The approved 
distributors are Total Marketing G abon, Ola Energy, ENGEN, Gab'Oil and PetroGabon.  
4.104.   For the storage of petroleum products, the Gabonese Petroleum Products Storage Company 
(SGEPP) is a leading actor because it manages strategic stocks. In total, Gabon has five oil depots: 
OILYBIA (Port -Genti l), SGEPP (Owendo), OILYBIA (Ndjolé), TOTAL (Lambaréné) and SGEPP 
(Moanda). Products are transported from the refinery to the depots by pipeline between SOGARA 
and the OILYBIA depot (both of which are in Port -Gentil), tanker between SOGARA and the SGEPP 
depot in Owendo, barge between OILYBIA Port -Gentil and  OILYBIA Ndjolé, barge between SOGARA 
and the TOTAL depot in Lambaréné, and rail between the SGEPP Owendo and SGEPP Moanda depots. 
Delivery of products to stations for sale to end users is generally by  road tanker.  
4.3  Electricity and water  
4.105.   The Gabon Energy and Water Company (SEEG) is the main distributor of electricity and water 
in Gabon. The number of customers has increased considerably, from 229,665 in 2010 to 376,403 
in 2021. The SEEG's net electricity su pply (including purchases) amounted to 2.331  billion kilowatt 
hours, of which purchases, mainly in Owendo and Port -Gentil, accounted for 22 % of total production. 
About 42 % of the SEEG's electricity is hydroelectric. Outside of the SEEG, many forestry, mini ng 
and industrial enterprises generate their own electricity and supply rural communities.  
4.106.   In 2021, the number of SEEG water customers was 175,421 in 47 served localities. This was 
also significantly more customers than in 2010 (137,238). The SEEG's water production amounted 
to 116.5  million m3 in 2021. According to the AfDB, the supply of drinking water in Libreville reached 
only 55 % of the population. The Libreville Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation 
Sub-Programme, in partnership with the AfD B, aims to increase the rate of access to drinking water 
for the Libreville population from 55 % to 90%. 
4.107.   Until February  2018, the SEEG, a partnership between the Gabonese State (49 %) and 
Veolia  Africa (51 %), enjoyed a concession to distribute and transport drinking water and electricity, 
which gave it a de facto  monopoly in its concession areas (Libreville, Port -Gentil, Franceville and 
other urban centres in Gabon).136 On 16  February  2018, the Gabonese State terminated the 
SEEG  concession on grounds of public  interest and requisitioned its facilities and equipment to 
ensure continuity of the public service.137 This requisition, originally planned for one year, led to 
arbitration proceedings before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. An 
amicable arrangement was found in February  2019. This arrangement resulted in the transfer of 
Veolia Africa shares to the Public Service Corporation for Drinking Water, Electricity and Sanitation. 
Through this arrangement, the SEEG became a public compa ny again, some 20 years after its 
privatization.  
4.108.   The Drinking Water and Electricity Sector Regulatory Agency has been responsible for 
regulating the activities of the water and electricity sector since its creation by Ordinance No.  019/PR 
of 25  February  2010. Among other duties, it ensures compliance with the provisions of laws and 
regulations governing drinking water and electricity, allocates concessions in the water and 
 
136 The concession agreement ha d just been renewed a few months before for a period of five years.  
137 Order No. 001/MEE/MEPPDD/MISCDDL of 16 February 2018.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  electricity sector and monitors their execution, implements frameworks for consultati on between 
users and operators, and approves tariffs taking into account the economic interests of stakeholders.  
4.109.   The National Water and Electricity Council (CNEE) finances rural electrification projects and 
water supply systems for rural localities, public  lighting and public standpipes. The CNEE's resources 
come from state budget allocations, the Special Water Fund created by Law  No. 9/93 of 7  April 1993, 
the Special Electricity Fund established by Law No.  10/93 of 7  April 1993, development assistance 
subsidies, and grants and legacies.  
4.110.   An in-depth reform of the legal framework for the sector was adopted through the enactment 
of Law No.  024/2016 establishing the legal regime for the production, transport and distribution of 
electricity and drinking water in  Gabon. The reform aimed to further open up the sector to improve 
its attractiveness to foreign investors and create increased competition among actors in the sector. 
The reform involved the expansion of the state monopoly to include marketing and internat ional 
trade, and set new state delegation modalities other than concession. The new framework allows 
the independent production of drinking water, establishes rules for the production, marketing, import 
and export of water for human consumption and establi shes a levy for the collection of water 
resources for the production of water and electricity.  
4.111.   The sale prices of water and low -voltage electricity are uniform for all SEEG users. 
Low-voltage single -phase electricity tariffs increase proportionately to the  subscribed power, 
whereas for three -phase electricity, a fixed premium and a differentiated time -of-use tariff are 
added. Sale prices of electricity and water are established quarterly by the SEEG and are approved 
by the State. They are set according to a  formula that takes into account three distinct factors 
(electricity, water, and connections and miscellaneous charges). The price structure also includes a 
special contribution (CFAF  5.93/kWh for electricity and CFAF  26.13/m3 for drinking water). The 10 % 
VAT rate applies to electricity and water consumption.  
4.112.   As at 31  December  2020, the water tariff was CFAF  470.97 per m3 (all taxes included). The 
price of electricity is CFAF  122.9 per kilowatt hour for low voltage.  
4.113.   A differential tariff, known as the socia l tariff, is reserved for persons with modest incomes. 
For water needs below 15 m3 per month and electricity below 2 kilowatt hours per month, the 
Gabonese State covers the costs of these services.138 
4.114.   Gabon's hydroelectric potential is estimated at 11,000 m egawatts, and many dam projects 
are at various stages of study, financing or execution. The Grand Poubara dam near Franceville 
entered into production in September  2013, but most of its production is absorbed by the Moanda 
metallurgical complex. The Gabone se Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS), established by 
Decree  No. 005/PR, is involved in public -private partnership infrastructure development through the 
Gabon Power Company (GPC), an energy sector investment company created in 2015. The FGIS 
and Eranove sig ned a concession agreement with the Gabonese State on 26  October  2016 for the 
construction of a 15 MW hydroelectric power station with annual output of 90 GWh in so -called 
"Dibwangui", located 25 km from the town of Lébamba in the province of Ngounié.  
4.115.   In January  2019, the AfDB and the GPC -Eranove consortium signed a letter of intent to 
finance the construction of the Ngoulmendjim and Dibwangui power stations in the amount of 
EUR 160 million.139 The AfDB should also support the Booué and Tsengue -Leledi power station 
projects in eastern Gabon; these projects are driven by Gabon and the Economic Community of 
Central African States. The construction of the Kinguélé Aval hydroelectric power station in the 
province of Estuaire started in 2020 under a public -private  partnership with French investment 
company Meridiam. As a result of these projects, Gabon could become a supplying country of 
electricity in the subregion.  
 
138 For users connected solely to the electricity grid, electricity consumption up to 240 kilowatt hours 
per month is covered by the s ocial tariff.  
139 A BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) contract is envisaged for the construction and operation of 
these power stations. The total combined production potential of the two plants is estimated at 88 megawatts.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  4.4  Manufacturing  
4.116.   The manufacturing sector has not changed significantly since the last Review. Although a 
national industrialization strategy was approved in 2013 to implement the Industrial Gabon pillar, 
few concrete results can be attributed to this initiative. Apart from the timber industry, the sector 
continues to be dominated by monopolies and state-owned enterprises. A summit meeting on 
industry has not yet been organized, and the creation of a competitiveness observatory is still 
awaited in view of the development of the national industrialization strategy.  
4.117.   The manufacturing sector contributed  only 7.5 % to GDP during 2012 -19 (Table 1.1). 
Essentially, it includes some agrifood units, refining, wood processing, cement and sand production, 
aluminium plate manufacturing, and miscellaneous chemical products.  
4.118.   The private -law company Sucrerie africain e du Gabon (SUCAF -Gabon) remains the sole 
producer and seller of sugar in the Gabonese market. In 2022, SUCAF -Gabon produced 
26,000  tonnes of sugar, a slight increase on the 24,300 tonnes per year that it had averaged since 
2014. SUCAF produces only for th e local market but its offering is not sufficient to meet demand, 
and it imports some 10,000 tonnes of unprocessed sugar per year of a value equivalent to 
USD 2.7 million in 2018.140 The authorities consider that the sugar production and import monopoly 
granted to SUCAF has enabled, among other things, the price per kilogram of sugar to be stabilized 
at CFAF  780 since 2012. The CET rate is 30 % on sugar imports, and sugar sales are subject to a 
reduced VAT rate of 10 %. In recent years, Morocco has become the main supplier.  
4.119.   The beverage market is supplied by two companies from the same group. Each of them 
consequently holds a de facto  monopoly in its industry. This is the case, in particular, for the Gabon 
Beverages Company  (SOBRAGA ), which produces soft drinks and beers for the local market. Mineral 
water is  also produced, under a de facto  monopoly, by the Léconi Beverages Company (SOBOLECO). 
Mineral water, like carbonated and  alcoholic beverages, is subject, at importation, to cust oms duty 
at 30%, VAT at 18 %, instead of 10 % for local products, and  excise duty at 32 % (Section  3.1.2.3).  
4.120.   Société meunière et avicole du Gabon (SMAG) is the main actor in its subsector and supplies 
the local market with flour (66,500 tonnes in 2018), lives tock feed (26,500 tonnes), milled grain 
products  other than flour (17,900 tonnes) and eggs (44.5  million units). The Gabon Agro -Industrial 
Complex is a new local player in the wheat flour market and started operations in 2016. All wheat 
used in the product ion of flour is imported; these imports are subject to customs duty at 5 % and 
amounted to USD  30.1 million in 2018. Gabon is seeking to reduce this dependence by promoting 
local cassava and plantain flours. A 20 % surcharge is applied to imported wheat flou r 
(Section  3.1.2.2). Despite the surcharge, wheat flour imports remained high throughout the period 
under review; in 2018, their value was USD  45,400.  
4.121.   In order to promote the local timber industry, including processing beyond the first stage, 
Gabon banned log exports in 2010. However, this objective has only partially been achieved.  
4.122.   French investment has fallen in recent years, including on account of the withdrawal of the 
Rougier group. Chinese and Indian investors have emerged. The Gabonese State retains a stake in 
the Gabon National Timber Company. Wood processing units have largely benefited from the 
creation of the Nkok Special Economic Zone (SEZ) 27 kilometres from Libreville, where more than 
80 units were installed in 2022.141 
4.123.   Activities in the SEZ are  dominated by  primary  processing (sawing and peeling), including 
the production of beams, laths and planks. Sawdust, with production of 592,253 m3 in 2018, 
accounts for 59 % of domestic timber industry production, and the associated turnover 
(CFAF  229 billion) represents 61 % of total domestic production. The rotary cutting industry produces 
mainly okoumé  log veneers and accounts for 37 % of domestic production. Although the volume of 
production increased by 37 % and the volume of exports by 29 % since 2016, the  turnover of timber 
industries increased by only 2.4 % during 2016 -18. 
 
140 The value of these imports va ried significantly during the period under review, with a peak of 
USD 7.7 million in 2013 and a trough of USD 4.2 million in 2015.  
141 Companies located in the SEZ may sell up to 25 % of their production on the local market, subject to 
customs duties.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  4.124.   Timber  industry exports exceeded USD  470 million in 2018 and have increased significantly 
(+45%) compared to 2012. Timber exports are highly concentrated in few destinations: China 
receives more than half of exports (51.2 %), followed by France (11.2 %) and Belgium (9.9 %). 
4.125.   Order No.  132/MFEPRN/SG/DGICBVPF of 11  June 2014 established maximum dimensions 
for various processed products authorized for export. Order No.  0233/MFEPRN/SG/DGICBVPF of  
2 March  2015 amended the dimensions of certain products authorized for export. In addition, Order 
No. 133/MFEPRN/CAB of 11  June 2014 established a special authorization for the export of 
processed kévazingo  products. Following a short precautionary suspen sion of kévazingo  exploitation 
in November  2015142, Decree No.  350/PR/MPERNFM of 7  June 2016 makes tertiary processing of 
kévazingo  products and secondary processing of ozigo for export purposes compulsory.  
4.126.   Specific taxes have been levied on timber exports at different levels of processing since 
January  2012 ( Section  3.2.2). Since 2008, Gabon has granted a  corporate tax credit, equivalent to 
50% of the customs duties paid, to enterprises that export plywood to the European Union. A wood 
traceability project supported by a US NGO was carried out in the Nkok SEZ in 2019.  
4.127.   The construction material industry is characterized by the subpar performance of the 
two main products: cement and sand. Cement production has continuously increased, supported by 
highe r clinker imports year on year following the closure of the Ntoum plant in 2014. Clinker imports 
almost quadrupled (+278 %) during 2012 -18, reaching USD  20.5 million, while Portland cement 
imports decreased by 94 % to USD  1.5 million in 2018. Gabon applied a  temporary import ban on 
cement for two years, by order of the Prime Minister of 19  July 2017. On import, there is a customs 
duty of 10 % on clinker and 20 % on cement. VAT  on these products (whether imported or local) is 
at the reduced rate of 10 %. As for s and, its volume of production in 2018 reached only 10 % of the 
2014 level.  
4.128.   In the manufacturing sector, the State provides tax and customs support for the creation of 
new manufacturing enterprises and  for Gabonese SMEs/SMIs under the National Investment 
Charter. 
4.129.   The simple average of the applied MFN tariff rates (CEMAC CET) in the manufacturing sector 
(ISIC definition) is 17.9 %, with a large number of manufactured products being subject 
to the maximum rate of 30 %. Manufactured goods are also subject to other  duties and taxes, 
including domestic ones.  
4.5  Services  
4.5.1   Telecommunications services  
4.130.   Table 4.5 shows the main telecommunications indicators for Gabon for 2021, while Table 4.6 
lists the average prices of the different types of services in 2021.  
Table 4.5 Key telecommunications indicators, June  2021  
Indicators  Data  
Fixed line (per 100 inhabitants)  3.2 
Mobile subscriptions (per 100 inhabitants)  173.2  
Broadband network (per 100 inhabitants)  116.0  
Individual Internet users (% of the population)  56.6 
International bandwidth per Internet user (kbit/s)  21.46  
Fixed Internet subscriptions (per 100 inhabitants)   
• From 256 kbits/s to 2Mbits/s  0.08 
• From 2 to 10 Mbits/s  11.05  
• Above or equal to 10 Mbits/s  88.70  
Note: The value used for the population is that of the 2013 Census, i.e. 1,811,068 inhabitants.  
Source:  Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP Gabon).  
 
142 Order No.  347/MFEPRN/CAB of 24 November 2015.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  Table 4.6 Average prices of different telecommunications services, 2021  
Type of service  Price (percentage of gross 
national income per capita)  
Fixed broadband basket as a % of GNI p.c.  8% 
Mobile cellular basket as a % of GNI p.c.  4.1%  
Mobile data and voice basket (high consumption) as a % of GNI p.c.  4% 
Mobile data and voice basket (low consumption) as a % of GNI p.c.  3.2%  
Mobile broadband basket as a % of GNI p.c.  2.2%  
Source:  ITU Digital Development Dashboard.  
4.131.   Two companies compete in the mobile communications market: the former monopoly 
Moov/Africa Gabon Telecom and Airtel Gabon. Their market shares in the first quarter of 2022 were 
51.38 % and 48.62 %, respectively. GSM coverage is high (98 %) and the mobile distribution rate is 
131%. Moov Africa Gabon Telecom and Airtel have each launched an LTE network. In the case of 
Airtel, this network should theoretically allo w for speeds of up to 300 megabits.  
4.132.   In fixed services, the market was opened in 2005, but Gabon Telecom remains de facto  the 
only operator. Gabon Telecom was partially privatized with the sale of 51 % of its shares to 
Maroc  Telecom in 2006. This capital sit uation has not changed since then.  
4.133.   For the Internet, mobile operators compete with several dedicated providers (ISPs) 
specialized in fixed Internet access. Fixed -line penetration and fixed Internet access remain low. 
Under the Central African Backbone proj ect funded by the World Bank, a Chinese firm built a 
1,000  km fibre optic network extending towards the south -east and Congo. Gabon has access to 
two submarine cables: SAT -3 since 2002 and ACE since 2012. A submarine fibre optic cable also 
connects the cap ital Libreville to Port -Gentil, the country's second largest city.  
4.134.   The Ministry of the Digital Economy, Communication, Culture and the Arts is responsible for 
formulating telecommunications policy. An independent regulator, the Regulatory Authority for 
Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP) was established in 2012.  
4.135.   All types of services individualized by the ITU classification have been fully liberalized since 
2012.143 
4.136.   The electronic communications sector is governed by Law No.  026/2018 of 22  October  2019 
regulating electronic communications in the Gabonese Republic. The Law provides that electronic 
communications networks and services are subject to one of the following regimes:  
• a licensing regime for telecommunications networks and services o pen to the public and 
for local telephone service, for telecommunications infrastructure, allocated exclusively to 
any public institution in the sector or to an operator acting by delegation of said public 
institution;  
• a prior authorization or declaration regime for certain private networks and the provision 
of cryptology facilities;  
• a full freedom of service regime, subject to technical inter -operability constraints, for 
services and networks not subject to licensing, authorization or declaration.  
4.137.   Operator s of networks open to the public are required to have their technical and 
interconnection tariff offers approved by the regulator prior to their publication. These operators are 
required to accept, under objective, transparent and non -discriminatory condit ions, interconnection 
requests from other operators of networks open to the public. The regulator may, on its own initiative 
or at the request of one of the parties, impose the amendment of the interconnection agreement. 
The regulator may also impose immed iate interconnection pending the conclusion of an 
 
143 The full list of such services is as follows: data, fixed broadband, global personal mobile satellite 
communications (fixed satellite services/mobile satellite services), international mobile telephony (3G an d 4G), 
international gateways, Internet services, leased lines, wireless local loop, mobile and very -small -aperture 
terminals, paging, domestic fixed long distance lines, fixed satellite services, international fixed long distance 
lines, local fixed lines and digital subscriber lines, cable receiver modems, and cable and mobile satellite 
service television.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  interconnection agreement, by reasoned decision and, where necessary, on pain of a financial 
penalty.  
4.138.   The pricing of interconnection services for operators is governed by Deliberation 
No. 0087/ARCEP/CR/2019  of 18  September  2019 on interconnection and access tariff ceilings for 
operators with significant influence on relevant markets in the Gabonese Republic for the period 
1 January  2020 to 31  December  2023.  
4.139.   Operators of networks open to the public are requir ed to give preference to the sharing of 
existing infrastructure prior to the deployment of new infrastructure. They must publish a technical 
and financial offer for infrastructure sharing. The request for infrastructure sharing cannot be refused 
if it does  not create any disruption or other technical difficulty regarding the proper installation of 
the network and the proper operation of the service. Infrastructure sharing is the subject of an 
agreement between the operators concerned. The regulator may, on its own initiative or at the 
request of a third party, request the amendment of the infrastructure -sharing agreement, to ensure 
equal conditions of competition or interoperability of services. The regulator may impose 
infrastructure -sharing obligations for  infrastructure, whether existing or in development, to meet 
competition or land planning objectives.  
4.140.   The regulator identifies operators with significant influence in the relevant markets, after 
analysing the competitive situation and its foreseeable devel opment in these markets. Following the 
market analysis, the regulator may impose one or more obligations determined by regulation on any 
operator with significant influence on a relevant market. During the period under review, the 
regulator carried out thi s identification through Deliberation No.  0086/ARCEP/CR/2019 of 
18 September  2019 determining the relevant markets and designating operators with significant 
influence on telecommunications markets in the Gabonese Republic for the period 1  January  2020 
to 31 December  2023.  
4.141.   Law No.  026/2018 of 22  October  2019 also provides for the portability of mobile numbers, 
but such portability has not yet been implemented.  
4.142.   Law No.  02/2019 defines the universal service regime. This includes voice telephone 
services, resi dential fixed lines, mobile telephony, and Internet and directory access. It is financed 
by a fund to which operators contribute 2 % of their net turnover. Its development has been divided 
into two phases. Phase 1 of the project consisted of the establishme nt of 18 radio stations (BTS) to 
serve 33 villages located on trunk roads inland (the Makokou -Okondja and Okondja -Aboumi roads). 
Phase 2 of the project will serve 200 villages. This phase is awaiting the designation of an operator 
by the Gabonese State.  
4.5.2   Postal and express services  
4.143.   The regulatory framework for postal, courier and express activities in Gabon has not changed 
since the introduction of Law No.  06/2001 of 27  June 2001, which separated post from 
telecommunications. The Ministry of the Digital Ec onomy, Communication and Postal Services is 
responsible for determining the general policy of the sector. The Regulatory Authority for Electronic 
Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP) is the sector's independent regulator.  
4.144.   The designated operator (his toric operator) is La Poste S.A., a semi -public company with 
limited liability, in which the State holds all shares, which is separate from the historic 
telecommunications operator. Its main functions are to provide certain financial services, apply 
postal  regulations, manage and operate the public universal postal service, postal banking and 
financial service, and certain mandatory services and public interest missions, establish and develop 
services for the collection and distribution of goods and merchan dise, and acquire shares in the 
capital of companies operating in the postal sector.  
4.145.   Universal service is defined as the collection, sorting and delivery of postal items, and the 
continuous and regular supply of postal services of a consistent quality thro ughout the territory, at 
the most accessible prices to the public. The maximum weight is 1 kg for letters and 10 kg for 
packages.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 281 - 
  4.146.   There is no longer a reserved service as such. The sector is open to competition from other 
postal operators that are register ed as limited liability companies under Gabonese law to provide 
services and operations under authorization. Operators must meet the statutory, technical and 
financial criteria for this type of operation and service. Authorization requests must be addresse d to 
ARCEP, which has exclusive authority in this domain.  
4.147.   To date, eight authorizations or approvals have been issued to operators of free postal 
services, namely: AVS I nternational , Courrier Saint Georges, DHL International 
(Germany -United  States), Fret S ervices Logistics, Saga Express (France), Silson International 
Express (Gabon, United States -UPS), Global Fret and Pako Agency Ltd (Gabon private).  
4.148.   The Board of Directors of La Poste S.A. is responsible for setting tariffs as a whole on the 
advice of the r egulator and under the supervision of the relevant Ministry. It should be noted that 
the first price level for stamps was set below the cost price at CFAF  125 for social reasons.  
4.149.   La Poste S.A. is required to balance its budget. The activities of the La Pos te are subject to 
a multi -year programme contract signed with the State for a period of five years. The contract lays 
down the qualitative and quantitative targets to be met by the company, as well as its projected 
income and expenditure. The contract also  determines the terms and conditions of the State's 
contribution to covering the difference between income and expenditure. La Poste S.A. employees 
have civil servant status.  
4.5.3   Transport services  
4.5.3.1   Land transport services  
4.5.3.1.1   Road transport services  
4.150.   The Gabonese r oad network covers 9,200 km, of which 1,630 km are paved (compared to 
900 in 2009). Weather conditions make maintenance especially difficult. The largest part of the work 
being carried out on the Port -Gentil -Omboué road section (93 km including 9 km of bri dges), which 
links Port -Gentil (the country's economic capital) to the national road network, is now complete. 
Work is starting on the so -called "Transgabonaise" motorway.  
4.151.   Urban transport is provided by public companies, some of which face severe financial  
difficulties despite increasing demand. These difficulties were exacerbated by the free public 
transport decreed during the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.152.   Road freight transport as a profession is subject to approval issued by the Ministry 
responsible for transport. The sector remains largely composed of very small businesses with one or 
two trucks. Several foreign companies, including Bolloré Logistics, are present in the country with 
larger fleets. Cabotage is prohibited for trucks registered abroad.  
4.5.3.1.2   Rail transport services  
4.153.   In 2017, the Gabonese railway network consisted of 810 km of tracks. 174  million 
passenger -kilometres and 2,058  million freight tonne -kilometres were recorded that same year. It 
only has one line, the "Transgabonais", linking Owendo and Libreville  to Franceville and nearby 
manganese mines. This line is operating at a loss. It has been managed by Setrag, a subsidiary of 
French mining group Eramet, since 1999.  
4.5.3.2   Maritime transport and port services  
4.154.   Ports are supervised by the Gabon Ports and Harbours B oard (OPRAG), which is under the 
responsibility of the Ministry of Transport. Port infrastructure is property of the State.  
4.155.   Table 4.7 provides information on overall port traffic (bulk containers and specialized traffic 
in tonnes) in Gabon from 2016 to 201 8. In 2017, container traffic increased to 146,500 twenty -foot 
equivalent units (TEU). More recent data is not publicly available.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 282 - 
  Table 4.7 Port activity in Gabon, 2016 -18 
(Tonnes)  
 2016  2017  2018  18/17  
Vessel movements (number)  1,683  1,729  1,832  6.0%  
Total volume of goods  9,497,684  10,338,784  11,572,956  11.9%  
Timber  450,730  414,914  529,593  27.6%  
Manganese  3,060,503  6,355,486  7,421,783  16.8%  
Other goods  5,986,451  3,568,384  3,621,580  1.5%  
Source:  Port of Owendo, Port of Port -Gentil, Port Mole, and the cargo and mineral port of Olam/Owendo.  
4.156.   The management of Gabon Owendo's main port, with a new port terminal since 2017, has 
been entrusted since February  2020 and for 20 years to Arise Ports, whose reference shareholders 
are the Danish shipowner AP Moller Capital (43 %), the Singaporean conglomerate Olam (31 %) and 
the pan -African Africa Finance Corporation (26 %). This distribution of shares is the result of 
repurchase operations, since the initial arrangement of 2017 allocated 40.5 % of shares to Olam, 
38.5% to the Deposit and Consignment Fund  of Gabon, and 21 % to the Africa Finance Corporation. 
The port was constructed in PPP by Olam without any public financial contribution. The terminal ha s 
a capacity of 250,000 containers and can accommodate vessels with a capacity of 6,000 TEU.  
4.157.   The concession obtained by the French group Bolloré in 2017 for a container terminal 
continues, and coexists with that of Arise. Its assets will be transferred to the Italian -Swiss 
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in connection with the takeover of the Bolloré group's 
African logistics activities by MSC.  
4.158.   Apart from its container activities, the port of Owendo is also the exit port for Gabon's main 
exports, i.e. manganese by bulk/ore carriers and wood by lumber carriers.  
4.159.   Gabon's second largest port, Port -Gentil, specializes more in the export of oil and wood. The 
management of the port has been entrusted to Gabon Port Management (GPM ), a subsidiary of the 
Porteck Group, for a period of 25 years.  
4.160.   In 2020, Gabon had a national flag fleet of 41 vessels totalling 608,000 deadweight tonnes 
(DWT), which amounts to less than 0.03 % of global tonnage. This fleet has neither container ships 
nor bulk carriers144, and is mainly deployed on short -haul traffic. In 2020, Gabon had a foreign -flag 
vessel capacity of 73,000 DWT.  
4.161.   Gabon is party to the conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the 
maritime conventions of the Internat ional Labour Organization (ILO). It is also party to the Abuja 
Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, which seeks to enforce the IMO's 
environmental and safety conventions.  
4.162.   Foreign vessels operating in Gabon, including oil service vessels, must  obtain an 
"introduction" decision valid for one year, renewable only once. In order to continue working beyond 
this deadline, they must become "Gabonized", i.e. request Gabonese nationality and fly the 
Gabonese flag. This mostly concerns FPSO (floating pr oduction storage and offloading) vessels in 
the oil sector.  
4.163.   For the commercial ports in Libreville and Port -Gentil, the monopoly of port services is 
entrusted to GPM (Gabon Port Management, a subsidiary of the Porteck group) via a 25 -year 
concession. The c hoice of port service providers is free in private ports.  
4.5.3.3   Air transport services  
4.164.   The Ministry of Transport is responsible for defining air transport policy. It is assisted by the 
National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), a state -owned national establishment w ith technical and 
managerial autonomy, created by Law No.  005/2008 of 11  July 2008.  
 
144 UNCTAD Maritime Profiles. Viewed at: 
https://unctadsta t.unctad.org/CountryProfile/MaritimeProfile/en -GB/266/index.html . WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 283 - 
  4.165.   Gabon has three international airports (Libreville, Franceville and Port -Gentil) and 11  other 
public airports. Port -Gentil airport was opened to traffic in 2016. The openin g of a new international 
airport in Libreville is planned for the near future. As in all CEMAC countries, the pan -African body 
ASECNA ensures air navigation security and also provides meteorology services.145 
4.166.   In 2018, the management of Libreville Airport wa s entrusted to GSEZ (Gabon Special 
Economic Zone) for 30 years. GSEZ is a joint venture between the Gabonese State, the Singaporean 
group Olam and the pan -African Africa Finance Corporation, and has replaced the French group Egis, 
which had held the conces sion since 1988. GSEZ is also responsible for the construction of the new 
Libreville international airport. Franceville and Port -Gentil airports are managed jointly by the 
Gabonese State and ASECNA through a management contract signed on 5  February  2020 fo r a 
period of five years.  
4.167.   Ground handling services are provided in Libreville by Handling Partner Gabon (HPG), a 
subsidiary of the French group Europe Handling. However, the option to self -handle has been offered 
to Gabonese airlines. Mutual assistance may  be authorized on a case -by-case basis. The call for 
tenders to select a private ground handling services provider for Port -Gentil and Franceville airports 
is ongoing.  
4.168.   Gabon is a signatory to the Yamoussoukro Decision governing air transport between Africa n 
States ( Common Report ). Table 4.8 describes Gabon's bilateral air transport agreements with 
non-CEMAC countries according to the WTO's Quasar methodology.146 No data are available on eight 
of the agreements listed in this table.  
Table 4.8 Air transport agreements, 2023  Partner  
Date  
Entry into 
force  
5th 
7th 
Cabotage 
Coop. 
Designation 
Withholding 
Tariffs 
Capacity 
Stat. 
ALI 
Angola  4 April 2013  N N N N S .. .. .. N .. 
Burkina Faso  17 July 1984  Y N N N M SOEC  DA PD Y 10.0 
Algeria  8 April 1973  Y N N N M SOEC  DA PD Y 10.0 
Democratic Republic 
of the Congo  28 May 1979  N N N N M SOEC  n.a. PD Y 4.0 
Republic of Korea  18 November  1982  N N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 0 
Denmark  27 February  1967  Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
Burundi  10 December  1975  Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
Belgium  28 June 1974  Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
Benin  20 September  1985  N N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 0.0 
Morocco  22 February  1977  Y N N N M SOEC  DA PD Y 10.0 
Netherlands  14 October  1969  Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
Spain  3 May 1976  Y N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 6.0 
Switzerland  27 January  1972  N N N N S SOEC  DA OR Y 2.0 
United States  26 May 2004  Y N N Y M SOEC  DD FD N 28.0 
Portugal  31 August  1979  N N N N S SOEC  DA PD Y 0 
United Arab Emirates  25 August  2015  Y Y Y .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
France  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Ethiopia  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Rwanda  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Togo .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Equatorial Guinea  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Côte d'Ivoire  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
 
145 Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA).  
146 For more information on this methodology, see WTO document S/C/W/270/Add.1 of 
30 November  2006.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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Partner  
Date  
Entry into 
force  
5th 
7th 
Cabotage 
Coop. 
Designation 
Withholding 
Tariffs 
Capacity 
Stat. 
ALI 
Türkiye  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Mauritania  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
.. Not available.  
n.a. Not applicable.  
Note:  "5th" = fifth freedom rights; "7th" = seventh freedom rights; "Cabotage" = domestic traffic; "Coop." 
= cooperation clauses; "Stat." = statistics; "ALI" = Air Liberalization Index.  
 "Y" = yes; "N" = no; "S" = single designation; "M" = multiple designation; "DA"  = dual approval; 
"DD" = dual disapproval; "PD" = predetermination; "FD" = free determination; "SOEC" = substantial 
ownership and effective control; "OR" = other restrictive.  
Source:  WTO QUASAR database.  
4.169.   This network of bilateral agreements, together with the plurilateral Libreville Treaty  of the 
CEMAC countries, is only partially used. The private company Afrijet serves Congo, Cameroon and 
Sao Tome. Nationale Regionale Transport (NRT) and Tropical Air are limited to domestic flights. The 
national airline Air G abon went bankrupt in 2005 and the Gabonese Government planned to relaunch 
a national company with a foreign strategic partner by 2020. The service plan of the future national 
company has not yet been decided. Gabonese airlines were removed from the Europe an Union's 
"blacklist" in January  2019. NRT has been suspended from flying since 2020. Tropical Air renewed 
its airline operating certificate in September  2022 and is waiting to resume operations. Solenta 
Aviation Gabon, which specializes in freight, opera tes scheduled flights in the subregion. Recently, 
three Gabonese companies have acquired operating certificates for this type of flight (Héli -Union 
Gabon, Aventis Aviation Gabon and Gabon Aero Solution).  
4.170.   In terms of Gabon's bilateral partners, the companie s serving the country were as follows: 
Air France, Air Côte d'Ivoire, Royal Air Maroc, Asky (Togo), Camair -Co (Cameroon), RwandAir, 
Trans  Air Congo, CEIBA Intercontinental (Equatorial Guinea), Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and 
Mauritania Airlines.  
4.5.4   Tourism services  
4.171.   Despite the hotel infrastructure required by economic activities, and in particular activities 
related to oil, tourism remains an embryonic sector in Gabon. It is also a sector lacking in systematic 
data. For example, the World Tourism Orga nization has not established statistics for the country, 
and the creation of a tourism satellite account in 2009 proved short -lived. The promotion of tourism 
remains a significant element of Gabon's economic diversification strategy.  
4.172.   According to a 2018 World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) study on the Gabonese 
tourism sector147, in 2017 the sector contributed directly to 1 % of GDP and a total (direct and indirect 
impact) of 2.9 % of GDP and 0.9 % of employment (3,500 direct jobs in total), with a to tal impact on 
employment (direct and indirect) of 2.9 %, i.e. 10,000 jobs. In the same year, tourists generated 
CFAF 7.2 billion in exports in the Gabonese balance of payments. Gabon has 416 hotel structures 
for a total capacity of around 5,065 rooms.  
4.173.   Tourism enterprises enjoy the benefits of the Investment Charter as regards the repatriation 
of capital and profits, including access to foreign exchange and the freedom to transfer capital, in 
accordance with the franc zone foreign exchange regime. The investm ent regime for the sector was 
set out in Law No.  004/2000 of August  2000 and made more attractive in 2011 and then by the 
2013 Budget  Law. This regime includes exemption from import duties and taxes on equipment, 
machinery and capital goods for hotel and t ourism enterprises investing CFAF  800 million.  
 
147 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2018, Gabon. Viewed at: 
https://www.wttc.org/economic -impact/country -analysis/countr y-data/. WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 285 - 
  4.174.   These enterprises are also exempt, for the first five years of operation following the end of 
project construction, from corporate tax (for legal persons) or personal income tax (for sole 
proprietorships). In the following five years, these enterprises are subject to corporate tax or 
personal income tax on half of the taxable profit. In return, the enterprises concerned are obliged 
to prioritize employing Gabonese citizens.  
4.5.5   Banking and microfinance services  
4.175.   The Central African Banking Commission (COBAC) is responsible for regulating and 
supervising banking activities.  
4.176.   At 31  December  2022, Gabon had seven banks. The main players in the sector were the 
Union Gabonaise de Banque (UGB), held by the Moroccan group At tijariwafa Bank; BGFI (Banque 
Gabonaise et Française Internationale), held by BNP Paribas; Citibank Gabon (a subsidiary of the 
US bank Citibank); the UBA, held by Nigerian interests; BICIG (Banque Internationale pour le 
Commerce et l'Investissement du Gabo n); and Ecobank and Orabank, two banks of Togolese origin. 
Three public banks (Banque Gabonaise de Développement, Banque de l'Habitat du Gabon and 
PostBank) are in great financial difficulty and are being liquidated.  
4.177.   Table 4.9 details the key activity indi cators for Gabon's banking sector in 2021, while Table 
4.10 describes the sector's financial soundness indicators for the entire period.  
Table 4.9 Key indicators for the Gabonese banking sector, 2021  Number of  
banks  
Banking 
concentration  
(top 3 banks)  
Domestic credit 
(% of GDP), 
2020  
Annual credit 
growth  
(%) 
Loans to 
deposits (%)  
Financial 
soundness 
indicators: 
latest available  
Indic. 1  
Capital to 
risk-weighted 
assets (%)  Indic. 2  
Return on 
equity (%)  Indic. 3  
Non-performing 
loans  
(% of total 
loans)  
6 85 13 -7 69 Q2 2021  17 23 8 
Source:  European Investment Bank, "Finance in Africa: Navigating the financial landscape in turbulent 
times", October  2022.  
Table 4.10 Financial soundness indicators for the banking system, 2015 -21 
(%) 
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  August  
Capital adequacy        
Total bank regulatory capital to 
risk-weighted assets  8.3 9.1 9.7 10.8 10.7 17.5 17.7 
Tier 1 capital to assets  4.5 4.3 4.5 5.0 5.1 9.8 10.7 
Asset quality  
Non-performing loans to total loans  5.3 10.7 10.8 12.4 12.8 7.6 7.8 
Non-performing loans net of provision to 
capital  12.9 17.7 9.1 11.8 11.1 2.6 6.5 
Earnings and profitability         
Net income to average capital (ROE)  4.8 9.6 9.3 12.0 11.7 16.4 .. 
Net income to average assets (ROA)  1.1 1.2 1.0 1.3 1.2 2.8 .. 
Non-interest expense to gross income  79.5 71.2 69.7 62.9 65.0 59.9 .. 
Liquidity         
Liquid assets to total assets  24.4 23.2 24.2 26.4 25.9 27.2 28.5 
Liquid assets to short -term liabilities  148.3  148.7  149.3  162.4  161.9  166.9  163.4  
.. Not available.  
Source:  IMF (2022). Viewed at: 
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2022/07/08/Gabon -First-and-Second -Reviews -of-th
e-Extended -Arrangement -under -the-Extended -Fund-Facility -520538 . 
4.178.   Commenting on recent developments, the IMF found in its Report No.  22/21 6 of 8 July 2022 
that: WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 286 - 
  i. The banking sector appears broadly stable, and lending a ctivity has picked up. At end 
August  2021, the solvency ratio was about 18 % (minimum at 9.5 %) and the 
short-term liquidity ratio was 163.4 % (minimum at 100 %). The asset quality was 
reportedly stable with the overdue loans and NPL ratios at 10 and 8 %, respe ctively, 
reflecting the impact of temporary forbearance measures implemented by COBAC (the 
regional supervisor) expected to end in June  2022. The exit from these measures and 
a full reflection of COVID -impacted loans would lead to an increase in the overdu e loan 
and NPL ratios. The banks' still high sovereign exposure, reaching almost a fourth of 
bank assets in Q3 2021, is of concern given the country's relatively high debt level.  
4.179.   In addition, during the review period, the authorities put three public banks  (BHG,  Postebank 
and BGD) into liquidation and the preliminary liquidation cost assessment is around CFAF  135 billion 
(1.2% of GDP). COBAC is expected to officially announce the end of the bank liquidation process in 
the coming months. Nevertheless, by ord er of the Prime Minister, the authorities shall implement a 
defeasance structure to realize assets and write off residual liabilities, including judicial liquidation. 
This process could last until 2024.  
4.180.   Lastly, the authorities developed a financial inclusi on strategy covering the period 2022 -27 
that was to be adopted by the end of 2022. It focuses on two priorities: (i) improving access to 
financial services for vulnerable and excluded populations; and (ii) promoting digital finance. A 
coordinating body (re sponsible for steering the strategy) and an implementation committee 
(responsible for execution) will be established.  
4.181.   Banking and microfinance services are governed by the regulatory provisions issued at 
community level by COBAC and BEAC, which also supervise the sector ( Common Report ). 
4.5.6   Insurance services  
4.182.   Gabon has 11 insurance companies: seven non -life insurers (Assuranc es du Gabon, AXA 
Assurances Gabon, Assinco, Saham Gabon, NSIA Gabon, OGAR  IARD and SUNU) and four life 
insurers (NSIA Vie Gabon, OGAR Vie, Saham Vie and SUNU Vie); and two reinsurers (Société 
Gabonaise de Réassurance and One Re). Table 4.11 shows the natio nality of the majority 
shareholder of each of these insurers, their volume of activity and their respective market shares. 
The country also has 37 insurance brokers and seven general agents.  
Table 4.11 Activit y volumes, market shares and nationalities of the principal 
shareholders of insurance companies operating in Gabon, 2018  
Companies  Fiscal year 2018  
Turnover  Share  Nationality of the majority shareholder  
OGAR IARD  15,696  16.38%  GABONESE  
AXA A. GABON  11,123  11.61%  FRENCH  
ASSINCO  19,710  20.57%  GABONESE  
AG 1,815  1.89%  GABONESE  
NSIA GABON  7,301  7.62%  IVORIAN  
SUNU ASSURANCES  4,425  4.62%  SENEGALESE  
SAHAM ASSURANCES  15,284  15.95%  MOROCCAN  
OGAR VIE  8,812  9.19%  GABONESE  
SAHAM VIE  208 0.22%  MOROCCAN  
SUNU VIE  9,703  10.12%  SENEGALESE  
NSIA VIE GABON  1,760  1.84%  IVORIAN  
TOTAL  95,837  100%   
Source:  Information provided by the Gabonese authorities.  
4.183.   Insurance penetration stood at 0.89 % of GDP in 2021 (0.22 % for life insurance and 0.67 % 
for non -life insurance).  
4.184.   Table 4.12 provides indicators on the volume of the Gabonese insurance market and the 
weight of its various actors.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  Table 4.12 Recent developments in the insurance sector in Gabon and its main actors, 
2018 -21 
Companies  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Turnover  Weight  Turnover  Weight  Turnover  Weight  Turnover  Weight  
AXA  11,123  15% 13,655  17% 12,316  15% 12,612  16% 
AG  1,815  2% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 
NSIA IARD  7,302  10% 8,375  10% 9,385  11% 9,787  12% 
OGAR IARD  15,696  21% 14,361  18% 13,420  16% 14,093  18% 
SAHAM IARD  15,311  20% 19,077  24% 18,296  22% 18,408  23% 
ASSINCO  19,711  26% 18,853  23% 20,830  26% 18,506  23% 
SUNU IARD  4,425  6% 6289 8% 7,428  9% 6,631  8% 
TOTAL IARD  75,383  79%  80,610  79%  81,675  79%  80,037  76%  
SUNU VIE  9,703  47% 9,061  43% 9,226  47% 10,199  40% 
NSIA VIE  1,760  9% 1,876  9% 2,054  9% 1,941  8% 
OGAR VIE  8,812  43% 9,828  47% 10,456  43% 11,966  47% 
SAHAM VIE  208 1% 119 1% 615 0% 1,171  5% 
TOTAL LIFE  20,483  21%  20,884  21%  22,351  21%  25,277  24%  
OVERALL TOTAL  95,866  100%  101,494  100%  104,026  100%  105,314  100%  
Source:  National Insurance Directorate (DNA) of Gabon.  
4.185.   Table 4.13 provides indicators on the volume of the Gabonese insurance market and its 
profitability during the period under review.  
Table 4.13 Premiums collected and return on equity ratio in the insurance sector, 
2012 -21 
(CFAF  billion)  
 2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Premiums collected 
(life + non-life) 99.49  114.88  121.46  118.88  105.63  99.39  95.87  101.49  104.03  105.32  
- of which life  15.53  17.82  18.17  17.56  19.61  22.7 20.48  20.88  22.35  25.28  
Net return/equity            
- life 39.2%  20.1%  8.3%  2.53%  24.36%  -7.64%  -12% 3% 3% 15% 
-non-life 17.2%  19.9%  18.2%  7.9%  -5.78%  -5.8%  -21% -2% 18% -12% 
Source:  National Insurance Directorate (DNA) of Gabon.  
4.186.   As shown in the table, following continued growth up to 2015, the total premiums collected 
for non -life insurance fell between 2016 and 2018, and then rose steadily from 2019 to 2021. In 
contrast, following a drop in i ts turnover in 2018, the life insurance sector maintained steady growth 
in premiums collected from 2019 to 2021. The two subsectors recorded similar trends in premiums 
collected.  
4.187.   CIMA, a pan -African body comprising several countries including the member St ates of 
WAMU and CEMAC ( Common Report ), is responsible for the regulation and supervision of the 
insurance sector.  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
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  5  APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 1 Structure of exports, 2012 -21  
(USD million and %)   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
World (USD million)  9,605.1 9,460.8 8,839.4 5,319.5 3,927.1 4,442.4 5,504.6 5,355.0 5,237.6 5,877.9  
(Percentage share ) 
Crude oil  87.4 86.8 85.5 79.9 71.0 77.0 79.6 75.1 70.5 67.1 
Sawn wood and articles thereof  3.4 3.4 4.5 7.1 14.0 10.9 8.5 11.4 13.6 15.0 
Mangan ese 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.3 2.9 3.3 3.6 6.1 8.6 9.2 
Petroleum products  3.9 3.2 4.9 3.3 3.9 4.3 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.6 
Palm oil  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.6 1.2 
Unwrought gold  0.3 0.5 0.5 0.8 1.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 
Ferro-silico-mangan ese 1.5 1.9 1.7 2.2 1.8 1.4 1.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 
Natural rubber  0.7 0.7 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 
Other  2.7 3.5 2.5 3.9 4.8 2.2 2.3 2.1 1.6 1.7 
Note: The statistical totals for exports provided by the authorities and contained in this table are not 
always comparable with the balance -of-payments statistics supplied by the same authorities.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 289 - 
  Table A1. 2 Destination of exports, 2012 -21 
(USD million and %)   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
World  
(USD million)  9,605.1 9,460.8 8,839.4 5,319.5 3,927.1 4,442.4 5,504.6 5,355.0 5,237.6 5,877.9 
 
(Percentage share ) 
United States  17.8 10.5 7.1 3.9 1.0 1.8 2.7 1.4 1.4 0.6 
Canada  0.0 0.7 0.0 1.3 0.7 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Trinidad and Tobago  5.2 10.0 10.6 12.6 12.2 8.3 6.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Bahamas  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.8 0.0 2.2 0.0 
EU-27  15.7 19.8 18.1 32.7 28.3 19.8 14.7 12.8 14.5 20.0 
Italy 1.4 3.2 4.8 8.6 9.8 4.9 1.7 3.3 4.7 6.5 
Netherlands  3.3 1.9 2.4 9.5 4.4 6.0 5.8 3.5 4.2 5.5 
France  2.9 5.4 2.8 2.2 4.5 2.8 2.2 1.9 1.8 2.1 
Belgium 0.4 0.4 0.5 2.0 3.9 3.2 2.0 2.3 1.8 1.7 
Greece 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 1.4 0.5 0.2 0.3 
Portugal  0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.1 0.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 
Other EU  7.6 9.0 7.6 9.2 4.3 2.7 0.5 1.4 1.7 3.8 
United Kingdom  0.3 1.2 4.5 3.7 3.1 2.1 4.1 2.1 1.3 0.8 
Norway 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.4 1.0 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 
Liberia  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 
CEMAC  0.5 2.1 1.0 0.9 1.1 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.7 1.2 
China 3.2 8.2 14.2 16.1 25.5 35.0 33.0 63.3 48.9 32.7 
India 10.2 6.1 7.4 1.2 1.0 4.8 7.4 2.0 4.4 14.7 
Korea,  Republic of 1.5 0.3 5.1 0.7 1.7 0.1 4.0 3.6 3.4 7.0 
Singapo re 1.5 1.0 2.5 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.6 4.0 7.5 5.3 
Indon esia 18.9 1.9 2.3 0.0 1.4 4.0 4.9 0.0 0.3 3.9 
Australi a 9.4 11.0 11.6 7.6 9.9 8.0 5.2 2.2 6.0 3.3 
Malaysia 1.6 12.8 4.6 8.0 1.2 5.5 3.9 1.5 3.1 2.9 
Viet Nam  0.1 0.1 0.2 0.4 1.0 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.3 
Japan 7.9 8.8 6.0 0.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 
Korea , Democratic 
People's Republic of  0.0 0.9 0.8 5.6 4.8 1.6 3.4 1.2 0.0 0.0 
Other  5.7 4.4 3.5 4.0 5.9 3.4 2.3 4.0 5.3 6.6 
Note: The statistical totals for exports provided by the authorities and contained in this table are not 
always comparable with the balance -of-payments statistics supplied by the same authorities.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 290 - 
  Table A1. 3 Structure of imports 2012 -21  
(USD million and %)   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
World (USD million)  3,645.6 3,909.0 3,886.7 2,948.6 2,855.9 2,323.4 2,250.5 2,457.0 2,298.4 2,227.1  
(Percentage share ) 
Food products  (excluding 
beverages ) 15.0 17.2 16.6 20.1 25.6 24.3 21.7 21.7 24.3 26.6 
Tools, machine ry and 
mechanical appliances  17.6 20.1 17.5 16.2 15.2 14.2 15.4 17.5 17.6 15.2 
Non-food consumer products  14.4 16.2 14.4 14.9 16.5 16.0 16.7 11.4 12.3 12.8 
Iron and steel products  8.8 6.8 8.8 7.6 5.4 6.4 5.0 5.9 6.5 4.6 
Machine ry and electrical 
appliances  9.4 7.9 7.3 6.9 7.3 6.7 6.8 6.7 6.6 7.7 
Vehicles  8.2 7.9 5.7 5.3 5.9 3.7 5.0 5.1 5.1 6.6 
Intermediate products for 
construction companies  3.0 3.0 3.4 3.6 4.4 3.4 3.3 3.3 3.1 4.3 
Pharmaceuticals  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.7 4.3 4.7 
Petroleum products  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.6 6.2 4.2 
Beverage s 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.6 1.3 1.3 1.0 0.9 1.3 
Articles of wood  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 
Other wood  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other  22.3 19.5 24.9 24.0 17.9 23.9 24.8 15.1 13.1 11.8 
Note: The statistical totals for imports provided by the authorities and contained in this table are not 
always comparable with the balance -of-payments statistics supplied by the same authorities.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 291 - 
  Table A1. 4 Origin of imports, 2012 -21  
(USD million and %)   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
World (USD million)  3,645.6  3,909.0  3,886.7  2,948.6  2,855.9  2,323.4  2,250.5  2,457.0  2,298.4  2,227.1   
(Percentage share)  
United States  6.7 7.6 6.2 12.1 4.4 3.6 4.3 5.1 6.5 3.7 
Brazil  1.2 1.2 1.4 1.6 2.1 1.3 1.9 1.7 1.3 1.4 
EU-27 56.4 55.5 51.5 48.1 48.1 53.5 45.1 43.5 45.9 46.0 
Germany  1.4 1.6 1.9 2.4 1.6 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.9 1.3 
Belgium  13.1 16.3 15.2 12.5 10.4 10.6 10.4 10.8 12.1 11.9 
Spain  1.4 1.9 2.0 1.7 2.0 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.5 1.8 
France  32.8 27.5 24.9 24.3 28.0 29.2 26.4 24.4 24.7 25.4 
Italy 3.3 2.7 2.9 2.2 2.1 1.7 1.9 1.7 1.9 1.8 
Netherlands  2.2 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.0 2.3 1.9 2.2 1.7 1.3 
Poland 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.8 1.0 
Other EU  2.0 2.3 1.4 1.8 1.5 6.4 1.1 1.0 2.3 1.5 
United Kingdom  2.2 1.8 1.8 1.6 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.5 1.7 1.8 
Türkiye  0.7 2.6 1.3 1.1 0.7 0.9 1.2 2.4 1.7 1.7 
CEMAC  3.1 2.2 2.1 3.5 2.1 2.1 4.2 3.8 2.6 2.8 
Camero on 1.6 1.1 1.1 2.5 1.1 1.1 2.9 2.0 2.3 1.4 
Other  CEMAC  1.5 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.8 0.3 1.3 
Morocco 0.8 0.9 1.4 1.6 2.2 2.3 1.8 1.8 1.7 2.2 
Togo 0.0 2.0 5.0 3.3 2.9 2.2 7.0 7.4 4.9 3.4 
China 7.7 8.6 8.6 8.6 13.3 9.7 9.2 10.5 10.6 11.0 
India 1.5 1.4 1.0 1.1 2.3 2.0 2.3 2.1 1.9 2.5 
Cambod ia 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.9 1.2 1.4 2.4 2.2 
Japan 1.8 1.2 1.7 1.2 1.5 0.9 1.0 1.3 1.0 1.3 
Malaysia 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.7 0.9 1.1 1.8 1.0 1.0 
Thailand 1.1 1.5 1.4 2.1 3.5 2.4 1.8 1.0 2.2 0.9 
Singapo re 0.6 0.8 3.3 0.9 0.4 0.4 1.1 1.4 1.2 0.7 
Australi a 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Other  15.4 11.9 12.2 11.9 13.1 15.4 14.9 13.0 13.3 17.5 
Note: The statistical totals for imports provided by the authorities and contained in this table are not 
always comparable with the balance -of-payments statistics supplied by the same authorities.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
  WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 292 - 
  Table A3. 1 State holdings in the capital of companies, 2023  
Sector of activity  Enterprise  Percentage of 
equity  shares 
owned by  the 
State  Total state equity 
shares  
(in local currency)  
Agriculture/ livestock  SMAG  
GSEZ  34.00 
40.00 510,000,000 
.. 
Timber  CFA 1.00 50,000 
 EGG 0.60 .. 
 ROUGIER GABON  1.23 14,790,688.5 
 SBL 1.00 4,000,000 
 SEFO  1.00 2,000,000 
 SNBG  51.00 2,040,000,000 
 THANRY CEB  4.10 63,037,500 
Mining COMILOG  
Nouve lle Gabon Mining 
Logistic  25.00 
.. 
.. 10,202,898,125 
.. 
.. 
Hydrocarb ons MOBIL OIL (OLA 
ENERGY)  10.00 54,650,000 
 TOTAL GABON  25.00 10,710,000,000 
 TOTAL MARKETING  10.00 26,500,000 
 SGEPP  25.00 225,000,000 
 SOGARA  25.00 300,000,000 
 PIZOLUB  52.83 464,338,000 
 SHELL GABON  25.00 3,750,000,000 
 FORAID GABON  10.00 1,000,000 
 PIZO SHELL  
PERENCO  
GABON OIL  
PETRO GABON  10.00 
.. 
.. 
.. 187,500,000 
.. 
.. 
.. 
Automobiles  CFAO GABON  2.00 42,801,800 
 TECHNOTO  
GSA 10.00 
.. .. 
.. 
Transport  ADL 26.50 540,600,000 
 DHL 10.00 1,000,000 
 HELI GABON  10.00 3,000,000 
 SAM GABON  10.00 40,000,000 
 SNAT  51.00 306,000,000 
 SETRAG  Special share  .. 
 ASECNA NATIONALE  100.00 .. 
 Gabon FRET  40.00 .. 
 OPRAG  100.00 .. 
 CNI 100.00 5,000,000 
 PSM 100.00 10,000,000 
 SDV 3.00 135,450,000 
Public works  COLAS GABON  10.00 8,100,000 
 DRAGAGES  10.00 122,500,000 
 SOBEA GABON  10.00 5,000,000 
 SITRAM  10.00 10,000,000 
 SNGE  
ENTRACO  30.00 
.. 15,000,000 
.. 
Trade /industr y/services  GABOSEP  10.00 2,000,000 
 GABON MECA  10.00 40,000,000 
 PHARMACIE LES 
FORESTIERS  10.00 12,000,000 
 SRMG  10.00 1,000,000 
 CHIMIE GABON  10.00 15,100,000 
 COGIMEX  9.64 1,600,240 
 GPL 30.00 118,800,000 
 NESTLE GABON  10.00 34,400,000 
 (SUCAF)  53.81 .. 
 (SIAT)  93.70 .. 
 SMAG  34 .. 
 SOVINGAB  10.00 5,000,000 
 SOGAMAR  10.00 2,000,000 
 BERNABE GABON  10.00 100,000,000 
 DAVUM GABON  6.45 14,190,000 
 MATERIAUX DU 
GABON  20.00 44,000,000 WT/TPR/S/445 • Gabon  
- 293 - 
  Sector of activity  Enterprise  Percentage of 
equity  shares 
owned by  the 
State  Total state equity 
shares  
(in local currency)  
 MIAG SA  10.00 6,000,000 
 CIM GABON  25.00 4,750,000,000 
 LBTPG  100.00 .. 
 CECA -GADIS  9.10 79,873,885 
Commercial  banks  BGFI 8.00 2,005,230,080 
 BICIG  26.35 362,000,000 
 UGB 
ECOBANK  
ORABANK  
UBA 26.90 
.. 
.. 
.. 1,990,600,000 
.. 
.. 
.. 
    
Insurance companies  AXA GABON  7.97 43,041,985 
 GRAS SAVOYE  7.30 6,664,900 
 OGAR  
NSIA 
ASINCO  8.52 
.. 
.. 78,384,000 
.. 
.. 
Other finance companies  FINATRA  
FINAM  
EDG 
LOXIA  .. 
.. 
.. 
.. .. 
.. 
.. 
.. 
Post and telecommunications  GABON TELECOM  49.00 .. 
 LA POSTE SA  100.00 .. 
Social services  CNSS  100.00 .. 
 CNAMGS  .. .. 
Other  GABON INFO  73.59 .. 
 SONAPRESSE  73.00 .. 
 SNI 
GABON MATIN  70.14 
.. 876,750,000 
.. 
.. Not available . 
Note:  Excludes real estate and state infrastructure that is the subject of a concession . 
Source:  Gabonese authorities .