Gabon reports 4% economic growth driven by non-oil sectors

Gabon is experiencing economic growth of approximately 4%, driven largely by non-oil sectors such as construction, agro-industry, agriculture, and services. This performance exceeds the Central African average of 2.5%. The government is focusing on the local transformation of raw materials to reduce export dependency and increase value-added production.

In the labor sector, a new major union federation, the Force Ouvrière des Industries Extractives et Énergétiques (FOIEE), has been established. Led by Sylvain Mayabi Binet, the federation consolidates unions from the oil, gas, water, electricity, and mining sectors to strengthen worker representation in negotiations with the state and private employers.

Regarding digital infrastructure, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) is increasing oversight of telecom services to support the digital economy. This follows consumer complaints regarding network reliability. Simultaneously, Airtel Gabon reported service disruptions in the Haut-Ogooué, Woleu-Ntem, and Ogooué-Lolo provinces due to a national fiber optic backbone cut.

Culturally, the Fête des Cultures returned to Libreville after an eight-year hiatus, featuring Senegal as the guest of honor to promote national heritage and regional dialogue.