LIBREVILLE, Sept 28 – The International Monetary Fund will continue technical discussions with Gabon on fiscal and public debt developments as the country works toward a potential new IMF-supported programme.
An IMF staff team led by Aliona Cebotari visited Libreville from September 14 to 25 to review the findings of Gabon’s public debt audit, fiscal developments and the government’s policy plans for 2027. The discussions also covered structural reforms aimed at strengthening public financial management.
The latest engagement follows Gabon’s formal request for an IMF programme earlier this year as the oil-producing country seeks to strengthen its public finances and secure additional funding for infrastructure and development priorities.
The IMF said the technical dialogue would continue in the coming weeks as both sides work toward potentially opening formal programme discussions.
“Technical discussions on fiscal and public debt developments, along with the outlook, will continue in the coming weeks, with a view to paving the way for program discussions,” the IMF said following the mission.
“The mission also discussed the authorities’ ambitious structural reform agenda to improve the management of public finances.”
Gabon has also undertaken an audit of its public debt as part of efforts to establish a clearer picture of the country’s financial position. The exercise has become an important element of the IMF engagement and is expected to inform the design of any future programme.
The government has said the audit found Gabon’s overall debt burden to be lower than previously estimated, potentially strengthening the case for additional external financing.
At the same time, Gabon faces significant financing requirements. The government’s draft 2027 budget targets 1.144 trillion CFA francs, or about $2.01 billion, in borrowing from international markets. The budget also anticipates a substantial increase in debt-servicing and repayment obligations.
The planned external borrowing comes as Gabon seeks to balance infrastructure spending and development priorities with efforts to improve fiscal management and maintain debt sustainability.
The IMF’s latest mission did not result in a Board discussion or approval of a programme. Instead, the Fund described the September visit as part of ongoing technical engagement, with further discussions expected before any potential programme negotiations.
