Gabon has taken a significant step toward strengthening good governance, transparency, and citizens’ rights, as President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema ordered the full publication of all mining conventions and a comprehensive audit of contracts signed between 2010 and 2024.
The directive was issued during the Council of Ministers on December 18, 2025, and aims to align the management of natural resources with principles of accountability and the rule of law. By making mining agreements public, the government reinforces the public’s right to information, a key pillar of democratic governance.
The audit will review licensing processes, fiscal incentives, and contractual terms to ensure that mining operations genuinely serve the economic and social interests of the Gabonese people. Authorities say the exercise could lead to contract renegotiations if imbalances or violations of national interests are identified.
The reform comes amid ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where transparency in extractive industries is a critical benchmark. Officials see the move as a way to strengthen Gabon’s credibility with international partners while restoring public trust at home.
Beyond financial considerations, the government insists that natural resource wealth must translate into inclusive development, social justice, and respect for human rights. Observers describe the decision as a turning point in the governance of Gabon’s extractive sector, signaling a clear break from past opacity.
