Gabon’s public utility transformation: unbundling water and power services

Gabon has initiated a significant overhaul of its public services, moving to separate the management of water and electricity. On June 25, 2026, the Council of Ministers officially approved two legislative proposals, establishing ”Gabonaise des Eaux” and ”Électricité du Gabon.” These new mixed-economy companies will independently manage potable water supply and electricity distribution, respectively.

This strategic decision by the government marks the end of the integrated model previously operated by the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG), opting instead for specialized entities. Each new operator will now possess a distinct scope of activity and clearly defined responsibilities. Such an organizational structure is expected to attract more investments and enhance the overall quality of services provided. Gabon’s move is part of a broader trend in African governance. Sénégal, for instance, has entrusted water management to Sen’Eau and electricity to Senelec. Similarly, Côte d’Ivoire relies on SODECI for water and CIE for electricity. In Maroc, the ONEE maintains autonomous branches for both activities, a framework designed to optimize financial management and investment flows.

Experience from across the continent demonstrates that this specialization consistently leads to greater clarity in responsibilities, stronger operational governance, and a more conducive environment for the sustained enhancement of user services. For the former SEEG operations, there is a strong expectation that the management of these two new entities will significantly surpass the previous integrated model, ushering in a new era for Gabon’s essential utilities.