The World Bank has released the Gabon Economic Update 2025, providing an analysis of Gabon's recent economic developments with a thematic focus on national wealth. The report examines the roles of human, physical, and natural capital in long-term development, emphasizing forest ecosystem services.
In 2024, Gabon's economy grew by approximately 2.9%, primarily driven by the oil sector and increased public works. Despite a decline in inflation, limited employment opportunities and modest growth have led to rising poverty levels, with about 34.6% of the population living below the poverty line. The fiscal position worsened due to reduced oil revenues and increased public spending, leading to liquidity pressures and heightened fiscal and debt risks.
“Gabon’s newly elected government aims for a more inclusive and growth-oriented development path. However, the country must carefully navigate the complexities of an unpredictable global trade environment,” stated Aissatou Diallo, World Bank Resident Representative for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. “In light of these uncertainties, it is imperative to continue with strong reforms to attract more investment and stimulate job creation.”
The report reveals that Gabon's national wealth reached $105 billion in 2020 (in real chained 2019 US$), reflecting a 35% increase from 1995 to 2020. Nonetheless, per capita wealth fell by 34.7%, indicating difficulties in converting natural resources into productive assets. Sonia Barbara Ondo Ndong, co-author of the report remarked that “Governance and business climate reforms can be used to reverse declining per capita wealth.”
The study highlights how Gabon can leverage its extensive forest resources economically; between 2000 and 2020, the value of forest ecosystem services nearly doubled to $75.1 billion—mostly from carbon retention services accounting for about 99%. Despite retaining significant CO2 amounts within its forests, Gabon lacks adequate compensation for these services which also offer local benefits like wood resources and ecotourism.
The report stresses that effective global compensation mechanisms are necessary for countries like Gabon to turn carbon retention into tangible benefits. Erick Tjong, co-author of the report noted: “At the national level, Gabon can leverage forest ecosystem services to generate higher growth and job creation promoting sustainable economies in sectors like wood mineral food processing ecotourism agriculture.”
The full report is available for download in English and French.