• Gabon’s insurance market revenue fell 5.8% in Q4 2025 after strong growth in previous quarters.

• Life insurance revenue dropped 67%, driven by weak demand and non-renewed contracts.

• Insurance intermediaries increased commissions by 24.8% despite the overall market decline.

Gabon’s insurance market recorded a 5.8% decline in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2025. The downturn ended the growth momentum observed in the second and third quarters, which posted increases of 72.3% and 29%, respectively, according to the Directorate General of Economy and Fiscal Policy (DGEPF).

The decline resulted mainly from the non-renewal of several insurance contracts at year-end. Some clients chose not to renew their policies, and this trend reduced insurers’ revenues.

At the same time, the market faced “a decline in public investment, intense price competition and lower subscription levels,” according to the Ministry of Economy.

The life insurance segment drove the overall underperformance, as it recorded a 67% drop in quarterly revenue. “This deterioration in the segment results from lower demand for life insurance products, non-renewal of certain contracts and reduced premiums. On a year-on-year basis, the segment recorded a deceleration of 0.6%,” the DGEPF said.

In contrast, the non-life segment posted growth of 18.6%. Motor insurance increased by 58.8%, health insurance rose by 65.2%, and transport insurance expanded by 33%, supporting overall performance in this segment.

Despite the decline in total revenue, insurance intermediaries maintained strong activity levels. Commissions paid to intermediaries increased by 24.8% during the quarter.

However, Gabon’s insurance market remains underpenetrated. Fewer than 2% of the population holds insurance coverage. Limited awareness, high perceived costs and products that often fail to meet consumer needs continue to constrain sector growth.

This article was initially published in French by Sandrine Gaingne

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum