The World Bank has released the Gabon Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), which examines how climate change could affect Gabon's economic growth and efforts to diversify its economy. The report highlights Gabon's significant role as a global environmental leader, with extensive forest coverage that allows the country to absorb more carbon than it emits.
Despite this environmental advantage, Gabon's economy relies heavily on oil revenues, leaving it exposed to risks from climate shocks and changes in the global energy market. The report notes that increasing temperatures, more unpredictable rainfall, floods, and coastal erosion are growing threats—especially in urban and coastal regions where most people live and much of the country's infrastructure is located.
The World Bank warns that without stronger adaptation measures, climate change could reduce Gabon's GDP by between 3.5% and 5.3% by 2050 under current growth trends. This reduction would come from factors such as heat-related productivity losses, lower agricultural yields, damage to infrastructure, and an increase in diseases linked to changing climates. Even if reforms lead to higher economic growth, projected annual GDP losses would still range from 3.1% to 4.8%. In more severe climate scenarios, poverty rates could also increase by nearly two percentage points by mid-century.
Cheick F. Kanté, World Bank Division Director for Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea said: “Gabon stands at the forefront of climate leadership in Africa. The CCDR highlights how the country can harness its natural wealth to build a more resilient and inclusive economy—to better protect its forests, secure livelihoods, improve health, and create more opportunities for future generations. With strong partnerships and sound policies, Gabon can turn its strong climate ambitions into lasting prosperity for its people.”
To address these challenges and strengthen resilience against climate impacts, the report identifies three priority actions: improving infrastructure through better energy access and water management; promoting sustainable forestry practices along with biodiversity conservation; and investing in human capital by reinforcing health systems and expanding adaptive social protection programs.
Aissatou Diallo, Resident Representative for Gabon at the World Bank added: “Adaptation is not a cost but an investment in Gabon’s future. By pairing sound fiscal management with policies that empower people and better protect natural assets, Gabon can turn climate resilience into a driver of competitiveness, inclusion, and long-term growth.”