The head of IMF’s delegation to Gabon, Alex Segura Ubiergo, was received on November 23, 2016 by the head of government, Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet and the minister of economy, Régis Immongault Tatangani.

After meeting with the authorities, IMF’s representative said he was optimistic about the growth of the Gabonese economy and the measures implemented by the government. It appears that despite the global crisis and drop in oil prices, Gabon’s economy is still far from being threatened. According to Mr. Ubiergo, efforts made in the agriculture, wood and services sectors helped cushion the shock resulting from slump in oil prices. “The government of Gabon has made some laudable efforts that helped protect its economy from the oil slump spurred shock,” he said.

Acknowledging efforts made by the government to “diversify” the economy, Alex Segura Ubiergo, however highlighted the “need to control public expenditures”. The IMF in this regard plans to help the government implement its budget reform policy to make the economic fabric more dynamic and resilient to the negative impact of fluctuations in oil prices.

The minister of economy, Mr. Tatangani, for his part focused on the measures which have already been implemented to get real support and foster the economy’s growth. He said Gabon fared better than other oil-producing nations and added that the current crisis helped the nation, “not only adjust, but allowed to distinguish the bad from the good students also”.

Sylvain Andzongo