Gabon: cost of living

What is the VAT rate in Gabon?

The standard VAT rate in Gabon is 18%, according to the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI). A reduced rate of 10% applies to the production and sale of certain products listed in article 221 of the General Tax Code, and 5% to sales of cement.

Exports with a customs declaration and international transport are zero-rated. VAT is charged on the price excluding tax, so a good priced at 10,000 CFA francs before tax costs 11,800 with standard VAT. The DGI page explains who must register, how to calculate the tax and the filing obligations. The rates are set in the General Tax Code and can change with the annual finance law.

Official sources: DGI: TVA

What is the poverty rate in Gabon?

33.4% of Gabon's population lived below the national poverty line in 2017, according to the World Bank. It is the latest national poverty estimate in the World Bank's data.

The estimate comes from a national household survey. A household is counted as poor when its consumption falls below a national poverty line. Because the survey is almost a decade old, it does not reflect changes since then. Gabon's ministry of the economy is formally in charge of the fight against the high cost of living, which is part of its title.

Official sources: World Bank: Poverty headcount at national poverty lines, Gabon

How is income tax calculated in Gabon?

Gabon's personal income tax (IRPP) is charged on net income after a flat 20% deduction for professional expenses, capped at 10,000,000 CFA francs, according to the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI). Income from securities is taxed separately through a 20% final withholding tax.

Before the IRPP is calculated, the complementary tax on salaries (TCS) is taken off the base. Rental income declared on time gets a flat 30% deduction for management, insurance, maintenance and depreciation costs. The tax rates themselves are progressive and set in the General Tax Code. The DGI page sets out the full calculation, and its documents section has the IRPP summary tables.

Official sources: DGI: Assiette et liquidation de l'IRPP

What is the inflation rate in Gabon?

The IMF puts consumer price inflation in Gabon at 1.8% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 5.3%; its low point was 2006, at -1.4%. It is 28th highest of 39 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 3.4%. World rank, highest first: 116th of 165.

How much do households in Gabon spend per person?

The World Bank puts household consumption per person in Gabon at $2,286 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at $2,667; its low point was 2005, at $2,143. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $840; Gabon is 8th highest of 37. World rank, highest first: 84th of 124.

What share of people in Gabon live in extreme poverty?

In 2017, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Gabon was 3.8%, according to the World Bank. It was 9.2% in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 13.0%, and Gabon placed 4th highest of 5. Worldwide: 21st of 77.

What share of Gabon lives below the poverty line?

According to the World Bank, the share of people below the national poverty line in Gabon was 33.4% in 2017. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 33.4%, and Gabon placed 3rd highest of 5. Worldwide: 6th of 53.

How unequal are incomes in Gabon?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2017, is 38.0. That compares with 42.2 in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 40.7, and Gabon placed 4th highest of 5. World rank, highest first: 23rd of 77.