How does Gabon economic and political reforms differ for other major African nations

Introduction

Gabon’s economic and political reforms in 2025 differ from other major African nations in several key ways.

2024 population is 2.4 million.

Political Transition

Gabon is undergoing a unique political transition following the August 2023 military coup that ousted long-time President Ali Bongo. Unlike many other African nations holding regular elections, Gabon is in the process of implementing a new constitution and preparing for transitional elections in August 2025. This situation sets Gabon apart from countries like Tanzania, South Africa, and Senegal, which are holding regular elections within established democratic frameworks.

Constitutional Changes

The new Gabonese constitution, approved in a referendum in November 2024, introduces significant changes:

Extends presidential terms from 5 to 7 years, with a two-term limit

Abolishes the position of prime minister

Bars family members from succeeding a president

Requires presidential candidates to be exclusively Gabonese with at least one Gabon-born parent and a Gabonese spouse

These changes are more radical than the incremental reforms seen in many other African nations and are specifically designed to prevent dynastic rule, which had been a feature of Gabonese politics for decades.

Economic Diversification

While many African countries are pursuing economic diversification, Gabon’s approach is distinctive:

Focus on sustainable forestry and wood processing industry

Emphasis on green growth and environmental conservation

Efforts to develop the mining sector, particularly manganese

This strategy contrasts with countries like Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire, which are pursuing more broad-based diversification across multiple sectors.

Fiscal Policy

Gabon’s fiscal policy reforms are tailored to its unique economic structure:

Designing fiscal policies to promote forest conservation while optimizing revenues

Addressing high social needs and infrastructure gaps while managing public debt

Focusing on transparency and accountability in managing public resources

These policies differ from those of countries like Ghana or Nigeria, which are grappling with more severe debt crises and focusing on fiscal consolidation.

Governance Reforms

Gabon’s governance reforms are more focused on addressing the legacy of dynastic rule:

Emphasis on transparency and accountability in public resource management

Efforts to improve regulatory quality and government effectiveness

Reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and improving the business environment

While other African nations are also pursuing governance reforms, Gabon’s efforts are more explicitly tied to breaking with its past political system.

International Engagement

Gabon’s reforms have led to a unique position in international relations:

First African country to receive payments for reducing CO2 emissions

Efforts to position itself as a leader in sustainable development and climate action

This contrasts with the international engagement of countries like Ethiopia, which is focusing more on attracting foreign investment through financial sector liberalization.

Conclusion

Gabon shares some common reform goals with other African nations, its specific political context, focus on environmental sustainability, and efforts to break from its past governance model set its reforms apart from those of many of its continental peers.

FAF suggests Gabon to enable 40% of its unemployed youth to engage in economic activities by providing subsidized vocational training programs.

Additionally, it is recommended that the digital policy be revised to align with current standards and facilitate the transition to a digitized economy. Gabon is currently in a growth phase, presenting significant opportunities for development.

As the nation plans to decrease its reliance on oil and gas by 10%, it is imperative to explore renewable energy sources, which represent the future of the global energy landscape amid dwindling oil reserves and increasing demand.

Gabon is indeed a remarkable and beautiful nation, and a more aggressive approach to these initiatives, including tourism , could yield substantial benefits.