• Gabon signed a memorandum of understanding with Infragroup Holding to digitalize and integrate its national road transport management system.

• The project aims to improve regulation, traceability and road safety through real-time monitoring and electronic enforcement.

• Structural constraints persist, as less than 20% of Gabon’s 10,384-kilometer road network remains in good condition.

The Gabonese government is pursuing a new phase of road transport modernization through a digital transformation partnership. Authorities aim to strengthen regulation, traceability and overall system performance as road safety continues to pose a public health challenge.

In Gabon, the minister of state in charge of transport announced on Monday, February 2, the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Infragroup Holding. The agreement targets the digitalization and integration of the national road transport management system. The protocol formalizes cooperation between both parties to support a long-term transformation of sector governance. Through this initiative, authorities plan to establish the foundations of an Integrated Land Transport Management System to improve administrative efficiency. The project also seeks to achieve a core public health objective by sustainably reducing road traffic accidents.

Among the main technical components, the project includes the deployment of an interoperable digital platform for road transport management. The system will enable real-time traffic monitoring and control and support the creation of a national vehicle registry. The framework will also introduce electronic ticketing for traffic violations and generate reliable statistical data on road accidents. Beyond technology, the project includes capacity-building programs for road control officers and measures to optimize non-tax revenue mobilization to support more effective and transparent governance.

Ambitions Confronted by Structural Constraints

This modernization effort emerges amid significant structural limitations. Gabon operates a road network spanning 10,384 kilometers, excluding urban roads, with official data showing that less than 20% remains in good condition. Within this network, approximately 1,800 kilometers are paved, while 467 kilometers consist of unclassified roads.

Low road network density combined with maintenance challenges already constrains mobility and complicates the deployment of modern governance strategies. Infrastructure deficits also rank among the factors that contribute to road accidents. Available data recorded 1,928 accidents in 2024 compared with 2,056 in 2023.

Several other African countries have announced plans to digitalize road transport management. However, effective implementation of such initiatives remains heavily dependent on structural actions such as network maintenance and infrastructure adaptation to digital technologies. At this stage, Gabon’s initiative remains at the memorandum stage, while forthcoming steps should clarify the technical, financial and institutional modalities of the integrated system’s deployment.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM