Gabon

Gabonese Republic

French Central African CFA (XAF) French civil law
AU, ECCAS, CEMAC, OPEC, AfCFTA, WTO
Gabon is a high-income African economy (by GDP per capita) driven by oil and gas, manganese mining (world's second-largest producer via COMILOG/Eramet), and forestry. Oil production has declined from peak levels but remains the economic backbone. Following the August 2023 military takeover, the transitional government has pledged democratic elections. Gabon's relatively small population (2.3 million) and significant resource wealth provide high per-capita income by African standards. The Libreville Special Economic Zone targets manufacturing and agro-processing. Challenges include economic diversification, governance reform, and infrastructure development outside Libreville.

Snapshot

Population~2.3 MWorld Bank WDI
GDP (current USD)$21.5 BIMF WEO
GDP per Capita$9,400IMF WEO
GDP Growth2.80%IMF WEO
Inflation (y/y)~3.60%Central Bank / IMF
Policy Rate5.00%Central Bank
Internet Use~74.00%World Bank WDI
Electrification~92.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)29.0/100 (#136)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.706 (#112)UNDP HDR

Focus Sectors

Oil & Gas
Manganese Mining
Forestry (timber)
Agriculture
Telecoms
Construction
Financial Services
Port Services
Eco-Tourism

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax30% standard (oil companies: variable)
VAT / Sales Tax18% standard
Data Notes: Population, GDP, and GDP per capita are latest IMF WEO / World Bank estimates. Inflation is year-over-year. Trade data from UN Comtrade/OEC (2023). Tax rates from PwC/KPMG country guides. CPI from Transparency International. HDI from UNDP Human Development Report.
Narrative last updated: April 8, 2026.