Gabon defies economic fatalism: towards a revolutionary digital strategy rooted in the forest

Libreville, Gabon – Digital Economy Minister Mark Alexandre DOUMBA recently set out his vision for Gabon's future, promising a radical transformation of the digital sector. With youth unemployment considered alarming, reaching 20 to 30% in emerging countries, the stated goal is to make digital technology a "creator of new jobs" and a "genuine source of hope, opportunity and dignity" for Gabonese youth.

"The climate, a 105-billion-dollar economic engine"

The digital ambition lies at the heart of the country's ecological heritage. The Minister stressed an often underestimated reality: 92% of Gabon's territory is covered by primary forest and, as a result, "the climate is an economy".

Citing data from a World Bank study, the government highlighted the country's untapped potential: the national economy "would be estimated at 105 billion dollars" if the value of its forests were fully taken into account, five times the current GDP. The digital strategy and digitalisation are therefore seen as the key tool for monetising and protecting this "unique climate asset".

Overcoming slowness: automation as a "remedy"

To make this vision a reality, speed is essential. The Minister expressed his "concern and determination" that the digital economy "should accelerate as much in public administration as in the private sector".

During a dialogue with the ecosystem in June 2025, stakeholders identified the main "structural barriers": lack of funding, administrative red tape and inadequate infrastructure.

Faced with these obstacles, the administration is being called upon to modernise. The Minister made it clear that it operates at an "insufficient pace" and that "automation is the remedy" needed to boost productivity.

In addition, to consolidate Gabon's position as a "key African player in digital transformation", legislative reforms are essential. The dialogue with the ecosystem highlighted an "inadequate legal framework" that must be brought into line with international standards, particularly in terms of cybersecurity (the theme of the 3rd edition of the DigieWomen Awards 2025) and data protection.

The funding challenge: accepting the initial risk

Financing innovation is recognised as a real issue. The Minister did not shy away from the "harsh reality of digital entrepreneurship", stating that a start-up unfortunately has to "lose money before it makes money" and that "financing innovation is difficult everywhere in the world". To attract investors able to take on this initial risk, the government is considering concrete solutions. Public funding mechanisms or specific tax incentives are planned for tech companies and start-ups willing to "question themselves, pivot and persevere".

As for infrastructure, whose shortcomings are an obstacle cited by those on the ground, the Ministry held strategic meetings with operator executives (Moov Africa, Airtel Gabon, Vivendi Africa). Immediate actions resulting from these discussions are expected to improve the quality and accessibility of services.

A new collaborative and inclusive approach

The Ministry has promised an "approach to developing the digital economy that differs from what has been done before in this country". This roadmap will be drawn up through collaborative thematic committees, whose work will be turned into "concrete initiatives by the government".

Inclusion is a fundamental pillar of this strategy, with a strong commitment to ensuring the "sustainability of women's entrepreneurial initiatives in digital" and the "effective promotion of local talent". The DigieWomen Awards initiative is of "strategic importance", since its mission is to "map and identify women digital leaders in Africa". The identification of these "leading heroines" (such as the Digital Businesswoman of the Year or the Woman in Artificial Intelligence) is used by the Ministry to encourage the new generation and female students to get involved in digital.

Gabon, determined to consolidate its place as a key African player, is embarking on a process of accelerated modernisation, in which protecting its forest capital goes hand in hand with technological ambition.