• Gabon plans joint venture to expand fiber optic network
• Project targets 1,800 km extension, cost-sharing, better coverage
• Moov and Airtel partnership marks first step in rollout

Gabon is planning to create a joint venture to speed up the development of its fiber optic network. The initiative was the focus of a meeting on Thursday that included representatives from the Ministry of Digital Economy, Moov Africa Gabon, Airtel Gabon, the National Digital Infrastructure Company (SPIN), and the Directorate General for the Development of Digital Networks.

The proposed project aims to extend the national backbone by 1,800 kilometers, pool infrastructure to reduce costs, and create a transparent governance framework. It also includes strengthening technical centers in various locations to improve coverage and service quality, ultimately providing citizens and businesses with better access to high-speed internet. Participants also explored innovative financing models to increase private sector involvement and reduce the financial burden on the state.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster Gabon's digital infrastructure. The country has already deployed approximately 1,628 kilometers of fiber optic cable through the Central African Backbone 4 (CAB4) project, a partnership with the World Bank that connects several regions within Gabon and links to neighboring countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. The new push for expansion comes amid growing demand for high-speed connectivity from households, businesses, and public administrations.

Although the network is not yet complete, Gabon ranks among African countries with relatively high internet coverage. The nation's ICT Development Index score was 76.1 out of 100 in 2025, according to a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). However, the country still faces connectivity challenges in some rural and suburban areas.

The creation of a common entity for fiber optic development is expected to optimize investments, lower operational costs, and streamline network maintenance. A partnership announced between Moov Africa and Airtel during the meeting marks an initial step in this strengthened cooperation, paving the way for the project's accelerated implementation.

Ultimately, improved connectivity could foster the growth of e-commerce, support the digital transformation of businesses and government, and contribute to the digital inclusion of a population still partially excluded from high-speed services.

Samira Njoya