• The payment covers obligations to major lenders including AfDB, AFD, and IMF.
• The move helps restore credibility after recent arrears to the World Bank.
• Gabon’s public debt stood at CFA7.18 trillion as of March 2025.

Gabon announced on November 3 that it has paid more than CFA28.3 billion (about $50 million) toward its external debt, according to the national daily L’Union.

The payment covers several key multilateral creditors, including the African Development Bank (CFA12.35 billion), the French Development Agency (CFA8.84 billion), the International Monetary Fund (CFA4 billion), the World Bank (CFA2.2 billion), the European Investment Bank (CFA183 million), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (CFA458 million), and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (CFA284 million).

This debt servicing helps maintain Gabon’s financial credibility abroad and avoid a repeat of recent tensions with the World Bank, which had suspended disbursements over unpaid arrears of CFA17 billion ($26.6 million). The operation comes despite Fitch Ratings’ warning earlier in 2025 of potential repayment difficulties reflecting continued financial fragility.

The payment also contributes to reducing Gabon’s overall public debt, which stood at CFA7.18 trillion as of March 2025, according to the General Directorate of Debt. External debt accounted for 60.7% of the total in 2024 and is projected to rise to 71.8% by 2027.

By honoring these obligations, the government signals its determination to meet commitments and strengthen investor confidence in the country’s financial management.