Gabon has taken a significant step toward local governance reform with the validation of a pilot phase in its ambitious decentralization programme.
The initiative, backed by 1,261 billion CFA francs (approximately $2 billion), was approved during the conclusion of the inaugural session of the National Decentralization Commission (CND) held on June 19 in Libreville.
The transitional phase will initially cover 13 provincial capital municipalities and 10 departments across the country.
This trial stage aims to assess the readiness of local authorities to assume greater responsibilities while maintaining effective public service delivery.
It represents the cornerstone of Gabon’s broader vision to devolve administrative and financial powers from the central government to regional and local levels.
Implementation of the pilot will unfold in two key phases.
The first will target cities and districts with a minimum threshold of 1 billion CFA francs in self-generated revenue.
These areas are considered more capable of managing the decentralization process in its infancy.
Following a comprehensive evaluation, the second phase will gradually extend the reforms to the rest of the country.
The strategy seeks to empower municipalities by equipping them with both the legal authority and financial autonomy to address local needs more effectively.
Government officials emphasised the importance of a controlled and measured approach, ensuring that decentralization strengthens — rather than disrupts — the delivery of services.
According to official budgetary plans, 30% of Gabon’s 2025 national budget — equivalent to 1,261 billion CFA francs out of a total of 4,204.9 billion — has been earmarked for this transformative project.
This unprecedented allocation underlines the administration’s commitment to rebalancing governance and enhancing citizen participation at the grassroots level.
As Gabon prepares to evaluate the outcomes of this pilot initiative, its success could serve as a model for decentralization efforts across the Central African region.
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