LIBREVILLE, Sept 21 – Gabon plans to raise 1.144 trillion CFA francs ($2.01 billion) from international markets in 2027 as the government anticipates stronger economic growth and higher oil production, while debt servicing and principal repayments are set to increase significantly.
The proposed financing forms part of a draft 2027 finance bill approved by the cabinet and awaiting parliamentary approval. The budget projects total state resources and expenditure of 6.223 trillion CFA francs, an increase of 727.9 billion CFA francs from the revised 2026 budget, according to a statement from the Economy and Finance Ministry.
The government also plans to raise 600 billion CFA francs from domestic or regional markets, alongside 300 billion CFA francs in bank borrowing, 600 billion CFA francs in budget support and 287.3 billion CFA francs in project financing.
Growth outlook supported by oil and mining
Gabon expects economic growth to accelerate to 4.5% in 2027, from a projected 4.0% in 2026. Oil production is forecast to increase by 4.1% to 11.30 million metric tons, compared with 10.80 million tons expected in 2026. The budget assumes an average Gabonese crude price of $70 per barrel, lower than the $80 assumption for 2026.
The government also expects stronger output from the country’s manganese industry. Production is projected to rise 8.6% to 10.35 million tons, while the assumed manganese price increases by 45% to $241.90 per ton.
Iron ore is expected to become an additional contributor to the mining sector in 2027, with production projected to begin at 1.5 million tons.
Debt obligations increase
Gabon is also preparing for significantly higher debt-related payments in 2027, debt servicing costs are projected at 667.3 billion CFA francs, compared with 487.6 billion CFA francs in the revised 2026 budget.
Principal debt amortisation is budgeted at 1.880 trillion CFA francs, while the government plans to clear 142.9 billion CFA francs in arrears.
The scale of planned external borrowing therefore comes alongside a substantial increase in debt repayments, with the government relying on a combination of international and domestic financing, bank borrowing and budget support to fund its 2027 programme.
The proposed budget links Gabon’s fiscal plans to an expected improvement in oil production and continued expansion of its mining sector, while also allocating significant resources toward meeting existing debt obligations.
