Gabon’s internal debt: a new audit to clarify and settle state obligations

During the closing ceremony of the Gabon Economic Forum (GEF), Alain-Claude Kouakoua, who chairs the Federation of Gabonese Enterprises (FEG), brought critical focus to the nation’s most pressing economic challenge: the substantial outstanding debt owed by the State to private sector companies.

For years, this financial obligation has been assessed at 4,340 billion FCFA; however, Mr. Kouakoua suggested this figure is likely inflated. The FEG leader asserted that not all presented claims warrant acceptance, citing numerous questionable files with insufficient or irregular supporting documentation.

Consequently, a collaborative audit, involving a specialized Task Force and the Ministry of Economy, will undertake a vital sifting process. Its objective is to distinguish legitimate, mutually verified, and agreed-upon debts from uncertain claims that will not be honored. No payments will be processed until this thorough review concludes. An immediate outcome is certain: the final debt total will be significantly lower than the amount widely reported for months. Furthermore, Alain-Claude Kouakoua revealed that roughly 50% of this debt has already been settled since the CTRI assumed power in August 2023. He noted that recipient companies have remained silent on these payments, contributing to the ongoing ambiguity.

This forthcoming framework aligns directly with a key recommendation from the GEF 2026: to prioritize the settlement of domestic debt. This includes outstanding VAT credits and arrears from public contracts, utilizing accelerated mechanisms, securitization, and cross-offsetting within a national debt clearance program. This initiative will feature a publicly accessible tracking dashboard and a National Monitoring Committee, essentially revitalizing the former Libreville Club.

While discussions at the forum encompassed topics like improving public statistics reliability and enhancing the CNAMGS (Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie et de Garantie Sociale), the paramount issue remained the State’s financial obligations to private businesses.

For Gabon’s private sector, this announcement is exceptionally timely. Following years of uncertainty, disputes, and prolonged anticipation, a clear path has finally emerged for a predictable, negotiated, and thoroughly verified settlement. Many view this as the fundamental prerequisite for gradually rebuilding mutual trust between the State and its business partners.