As Gabon approaches its 66th Independence Day, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has announced the release of 51 billion FCFA to settle part of the state’s overdue payments to businesses. This initiative aims to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and revitalize the private sector’s growth.
Gabon’s government is accelerating its efforts to clear domestic arrears, with the President revealing the allocation of 51 billion FCFA to settle outstanding invoices owed to local companies.
The funds will be distributed as follows: 30 billion FCFA will support businesses in the mining and timber industries, while the remaining 21 billion FCFA will address debts owed to other enterprises, with a priority given to SMEs and mid-sized firms.
The decision follows a high-level meeting between the Head of State and representatives from the Gabonese Business Federation, alongside key figures from SMEs and mid-sized companies. Held at the Palais de la Rénovation in Libreville, the discussions focused on the challenges facing the private sector, job preservation, and measures to sustain economic activity.
In this initial phase, the Treasury will allocate 21 billion FCFA to honor 1,478 payment orders issued between 2022 and 2026. The affected enterprises operate in critical industries such as construction, maintenance, food supply, and fuel distribution.
The government’s goal is to strengthen business liquidity, sustain operations, and safeguard employment. This payment initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce Gabon’s domestic debt, currently estimated at 4,652 billion FCFA.
By systematically addressing these arrears, authorities seek to improve the operational environment for private businesses and foster national economic resilience. The release of 51 billion FCFA marks a pivotal step in this long-term plan to support Gabon’s private sector and maintain economic momentum.
