Gabon has officially opened its national budget conferences in the capital, Libreville, with a sharp focus on increasing state revenues and shaping a more strategic and accountable 2026 finance bill.
This year’s budget meetings, which began on July 21 and are set to conclude on July 24, mark a significant departure from previous practices. For the first time, the conferences have been split into two distinct phases—revenue and expenditure—an approach that authorities say will bring greater discipline, transparency, and performance to public finance management.
“These sessions are about preparing a realistic, responsible, and results-oriented budget that aligns with government priorities and Gabon’s international commitments,” said a statement from the Ministry of Economy.
The event was opened by Vice President Alexandre Barro Chambrier, who was joined by key government ministers, their focal points, and financial experts. The goal, according to officials, is to “strengthen the coherence between what the state can realistically mobilize in terms of resources and what it plans to spend.”
Henri Claude Oyima, Gabon’s Minister of State for Finance, emphasized the importance of the new format, stating: “This budgetary approach is necessary to meet economic and social challenges.
It allows us to link revenue mobilization with the strategic allocation of budgetary credits.”
As part of the exercise, each minister is now required to identify their own revenue sources and set realistic financial goals for 2026. Ministries must also present clear commitments along with a regular monitoring mechanism.
The Finance Ministry further noted that this shift reflects the principles of the Gabon Economic Forum, which envisions achieving robust, inclusive, and sustainable growth—ultimately targeting a 10% growth rate.
Authorities hope the revamped approach will bring an end to ad hoc budget adjustments and improve the quality of public services, while significantly raising living standards for Gabonese citizens.
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