Boureima Amadou
In 2025, Gabon achieved a trade surplus of $6.9 billion, defying global economic headwinds that included declining trade volumes, volatile oil prices, and disrupted maritime routes. This outcome underscores the country’s robust external economic position, even as neighboring economies within the CEMAC zone grappled with rising freight costs and input expenses.
The surplus stemmed from steady exports totaling $10.73 billion, outpacing imports held at $3.83 billion. With an export-to-import ratio exceeding 2.8 to 1, Gabon strengthened its competitive edge, maintaining a favorable trade balance that contrasted sharply with the regional trend of shrinking commercial deficits.
Despite a sluggish global trade environment—where merchandise trade grew by just 4.6% in 2025 following a contraction in 2023—the country’s economic performance sent a strong signal to international investors and institutional partners. Forecasts for 2026 suggest an even slower expansion of 1.4%, yet Gabon’s resilience remained undiminished.
This trade surplus also provided a foundation for rebuilding foreign exchange reserves, which rose to $1 billion, equivalent to 2.1 months of import coverage. While this marks progress, it falls short of the International Monetary Fund’s recommended three-month threshold, highlighting an area needing urgent policy focus for Libreville’s economic planners.
Idrissa Diakité
