Gabon: public finances

How much debt does Gabon have?

Gabon's public debt and payment obligations were 9,524.643 billion CFA francs at the end of 2025, or 68.91% of GDP, according to an audit announced by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance on 13 September 2026. The audit started from an initial estimate of nearly 11,700 billion CFA francs.

The audit committee, set up in April 2026, followed the IMF's Government Finance Statistics Manual 2014 and its public sector debt guide. The ratio uses a first estimate of 2025 nominal GDP of 13,822 billion CFA francs based on the rebased 2022 accounts. The report was sent to the IMF and will be the reference for a debt strategy and for clearing arrears. The BEAC projects the ratio at 72.8% in 2026.

Official sources: Ministry of the Economy: press release on the debt audit (French) · BEAC: Monetary Policy Committee dashboard, September 2026 (PDF, French)

What is Gabon's budget deficit?

Gabon's budget deficit, including grants, was an estimated 11.9% of GDP in 2025, according to the BEAC's September 2026 Monetary Policy Committee dashboard. The BEAC's baseline scenario projects 9.2% of GDP in 2026.

The table shows spending rising to 32.4% of GDP in 2025, from 25.4% in 2024, while revenue fell to 20.5%. Capital spending, at 10.5% of GDP, was the main driver. Oil revenue was 6.2% of GDP. The CEMAC convergence criterion is a reference balance of at least -1.5% of GDP, against an estimated -10.4% for Gabon in 2025. The finance law voted by Parliament sets the budget each year.

Official sources: BEAC: Monetary Policy Committee dashboard, September 2026 (PDF, French)

How much did Gabon borrow with its 2026 Eurobond?

Gabon issued a US$580 million Eurobond on 14 October 2026, maturing in 2034, with a coupon of 9.375%, according to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. The ministry says orders reached nearly US$1 billion, almost twice the amount sought.

The ministry says the risk premium was about 50 basis points lower than on the previous issue in July 2026, despite the longer maturity. It was Gabon's first public offering on international markets since 2021. A Eurobond is a bond sold to international investors in a foreign currency, here US dollars, so repayments depend on Gabon earning or buying dollars. The ministry presents the issue as part of a strategy to lengthen maturities and diversify funding.

Official sources: Ministry of the Economy: Eurobond press release (French)

Does Gabon have an IMF programme?

Gabon has asked for an IMF-supported programme, and talks are under way, according to the IMF staff statement published by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance on 29 September 2026. An IMF team led by Aliona Cebotari visited Libreville from 14 to 25 September 2026.

The statement says the team discussed the findings of the public debt audit, recent public finances and budget plans for 2027, as well as structural reforms to improve public financial management. Technical discussions were to continue in the following weeks to prepare for negotiations on a programme. No programme had been approved at that point. IMF programmes are approved by the IMF Executive Board after staff and the government agree on terms.

Official sources: Ministry of the Economy: IMF staff concludes visit to Gabon (French)

What is Gabon's national debt?

84.2% of GDP: that is general government gross debt in Gabon for 2025, according to the IMF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 53.0% of GDP, and Gabon placed 9th highest of 46. Worldwide: 38th of 185.

What is Gabon's budget deficit?

According to the IMF, general government net lending or borrowing in Gabon was -12.1% of GDP in 2025, a deficit. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: -3.0% of GDP; Gabon is 47th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 181st of 188.

How much does Gabon's government take in?

The IMF puts general government revenue in Gabon at 19.4% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2013, at 31.6% of GDP; its low point was 2021, at 15.3% of GDP. It is 19th highest of 47 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 18.4% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 134th of 187.

How big is Gabon's government spending as a share of GDP?

In 2025, general government spending in Gabon was 31.5% of GDP, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2013, at 34.7% of GDP; its low point was 2018, at 17.1% of GDP. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 20.8% of GDP, and Gabon placed 7th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 86th of 186.

What is Gabon's tax to GDP ratio?

The IMF puts central government tax revenue in Gabon at 9.5% of GDP in 2021. No year since 2012 has been lower. It is 23rd highest of 30 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 12.4% of GDP. Of 127 countries with 2021 data, 112th highest.

What is Gabon's defence spending?

According to SIPRI, military spending in Gabon was 1.7% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2010, at 1.9% of GDP; its low point was 2014, at 1.1% of GDP. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 1.3% of GDP; Gabon is 15th highest of 44. Of 149 countries with 2025 data, 74th highest.