The government announced that Gabon has fully repaid its debt to the World Bank, amounting to 17.9 billion FCFA ($29.8 million).
According to the Ministry of Public Accounts, the payment fulfils the country’s financial commitments. It helps reduce the debt burden inherited from the previous administration before the August 30, 2023, coup that brought General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to power.
The press release added that the move aligns with the Gabonese president’s desire to “restore and strengthen the confidence” of the international financial community.
The announcement follows a World Bank delegation’s visit to Gabon in January, during which the organisation reaffirmed its support for the country’s structural projects, including the e-Gabon and Digital Gabon initiatives, designed to digitise the healthcare system to improve patient care and health monitoring while promoting the development of digital technology in all sectors.
The World Bank had suspended payments to Gabon in mid-2024 due to arrears. Gabonese officials attributed the delay to technical issues. The payment will enable the country to return to the list of beneficiaries of World Bank financial support.
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