Libreville, July 19, 2026 – A nation’s ability to fund its development hinges on its capacity to secure public revenue. In Gabon, this principle is taking on new significance. By aligning the strategies of Customs and Tax authorities, the government is embracing a more integrated approach to public finance governance.

This initiative represents more than an administrative alignment; it reflects a fundamental shift in public policy where inter-agency cooperation becomes a catalyst for budgetary sovereignty, economic transparency, and fraud prevention.

On July 14 in Libreville, the Director-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes, Brigadier General Hugues Modeste Odjangou, and the Director-General of Taxes, Édith Laure Oyaya épouse Mbiguidi, initiated a comprehensive effort to strengthen operational coordination between Gabon’s two primary revenue collection agencies. This move aligns with the government’s strategic priority to mobilize domestic resources, supporting major investments in infrastructure, public services, and economic diversification.

Transforming public revenue management

In modern economies, tax and customs administrations no longer operate in silos. Data sharing, information cross-referencing, and coordinated inspections significantly enhance tax yield while reducing fraud opportunities. Gabon is now formalizing this approach.

During the meeting, the two directors identified key priority areas: sharing tax and customs intelligence, coordinating field inspections, pooling operational resources, and developing joint strategies against tax evasion, customs violations, and illicit trafficking.

This effort aligns with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s vision for a more coordinated, results-driven administration.

Institutional framework strengthens collaboration

This initiative is not merely political will; it is now anchored in a robust legal framework. The two administrations highlighted that Ministerial Order No. 073/MEFDPLVC of April 10, 2026, establishing the Joint Tax-Customs Commission, serves as the institutional foundation for this cooperation. The mechanism includes joint inspections under CEMAC Customs Code provisions and facilitates smoother information flow between the agencies.

This development positions Gabon among African countries modernizing their tax administrations. Success stories from Rwanda, Morocco, and Côte d’Ivoire demonstrate how closer cooperation between tax and customs authorities can boost budget performance while curbing tax evasion and informal economic activity.

Upcoming technical meetings will focus on establishing the joint commission, monitoring decisions, and coordinating future operations.

Beyond financial administration

This collaboration marks a pivotal shift in Gabon’s public governance. Traditionally operating as separate entities, Customs and Tax authorities now share a unified vision. Together, they account for most of the state’s revenue, making their alignment a crucial factor in expanding fiscal space without increasing the tax burden on compliant taxpayers.

The primary targets remain fraud, false declarations, opaque trade circuits, and practices that deprive public finances of essential resources for development.

This institutional alliance sends a strong signal to international partners, investors, and financial agencies. It underscores Gabon’s commitment to modernize its economic governance, secure domestic revenue, and enhance financial administration credibility.

Ultimately, this cooperation contributes to a broader ambition: building a state that better protects its resources, funds national priorities through domestic revenue, and establishes a more efficient, transparent administration focused on performance. In this context, the alliance between Customs and Tax authorities is not just an administrative merger but a cornerstone of Gabon’s new financial architecture.