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Gabon has confirmed it is not considering any debt restructuring or reprofiling, choosing instead to focus on economic growth, governance reform, and a rebased economy that better reflects its true potential. Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, Vice President Alexandre Barro Chambrier said the country’s debt situation remains manageable, despite liquidity challenges earlier this year.
“We are not at this juncture at this time,” Chambrier said when asked about debt reprofiling. He emphasized that Gabon is finalizing a national economic plan aimed at ensuring every debt instrument contributes directly to long-term development and growth.
The statement comes after World Bank disbursements were suspended in January due to arrears, forcing Gabon to rely more heavily on regional capital markets. Chambrier insisted there was “no reason to be scared” of the country’s borrowing position, noting that the government is taking steps to audit internal debts to ensure transparency and eliminate financial mismanagement.
“This is part of the rule of law in a country — you really need to assess that things are well done and that the governance is good,” Chambrier said. “The resources are well used. There is no evaporation.”
A key part of Gabon’s economic plan is rebasing its GDP calculations to include the informal sector and what Chambrier called the country’s “natural capital.” The updated figures — expected before the end of 2025 — are likely to increase the size of Gabon’s GDP, which stood at just under $21 billion in 2024, and will improve its debt-to-GDP ratio.
The vice president also said Gabon is in regular contact with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but is prioritizing fiscal independence and “room for manoeuvre to invest” over entering a formal lending program.
For Africa, Gabon’s stance sends a message of economic confidence and reform-driven resilience — a reminder that sustainable growth lies not only in aid or restructuring, but in sound governance, efficient management of natural resources, and the strengthening of national institutions.