Gabon/ The Banking sector signals economic transformation under president Nguéma
Gabon, long shaped by the structures and practices of a rent-based economy and centralized governance, is undergoing a historic shift under President Oligui Nguéma. At a time when the African continent is closely observing changes in local economies, the banking system of Gabon recorded a remarkable 10.7% growth in its total balance sheet in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Directorate General of Economy and Fiscal Policy.
This figure reflects a structured national recovery policy, a clear political vision, and reformist commitment that are redefining the place of Gabon in the Pan-African landscape.
The observed momentum driven by a consolidation of customer deposits (+9.5%) and a strengthening of credit supply (+7.2%) signals an unprecedented return of confidence in the national economic fabric.
The budgetary and financial adjustments implemented by the state are no longer perceived as imposed constraints, but as managed levers of a coherent strategy.
Under the leadership of President Nguéma, the country is moving away from past dynamics where volatile public deposits or stagnant financing stifled private initiative and economic innovation.
Resources collected from private clients, representing nearly three-quarters of total deposits, grew by 8.1%, demonstrating restored credibility in financial institutions and the strategic appeal of Gabon’s economy.
The redeployment of credit toward the state and public enterprises (+74.7% and +993.9% respectively) illustrates the political will of the Head of State to direct banking capital toward strategic projects that foster sovereignty and resilience.
This approach aligns with the Pan-African vision championed by the Gabonese president to build an autonomous Gabon, capable of financing its own development and inspiring other nations to break from dependency models. The increase in deposits from non-residents further confirms the country’s growing international appeal and recognition of its rigorous, predictable governance.
President Oligui Nguéma’s tenure represents a qualitative break with the past. His actions extend beyond isolated measures to lay the foundations of a stronger economy, more agile banking institutions, and a Gabon decisively oriented toward development and sovereignty.
By combining financial discipline, strategic vision, and reformist boldness, President Nguéma is establishing a new paradigm of African leadership; one capable of breaking old constraints and shaping the path toward sovereign, inclusive development.
Under his direction, Gabon is no longer merely recording bank statements; it is inscribing its destiny in the register of political and economic modernity, tracing for the continent a path of mastery and autonomy.
Brice NDONG
