Gabon affirms continuous IMF talks despite reports of a stalled start

The Gabonese government rejected media claims that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund had stalled. In a statement, the Ministry of Economy, Finance, Debt and Participations said the dialogue remains constructive and has moved into a technical phase. Since the IMF’s spring meetings in April, the two sides have held about ten video conferences, including three in June and a session on 6 July with IMF mission chief Aliona Cebotari. The government also highlighted an ongoing audit and consolidation of state debt, describing it as a prerequisite for credible data rather than a delay tactic. Gabon’s finance minister Thierry Minko met the IMF’s Africa director in Washington on 2 July, and the talks continue to focus on the 2026 corrective budget, the 2027‑2029 macro‑fiscal framework, and preparation for a potential financing programme.