Investment framework and opportunities in Gabon
Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment
- Freedom of Establishment
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Gabon’s 1998 investment code conforms to Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) investment regulations and grants the same rights to both local and foreign companies operating in Gabon. Foreign investors are equally treated also with regards to the purchase of real estate, negotiation of licenses, and entering into commercial agreements. There is no general requirement for local participation in investments (though quotas of local workers can be imposed). Businesses are protected from expropriation or nationalization without appropriate compensation.
Certain sectors, such as mining, forestry, petroleum, agriculture, and tourism have special specific investment codes, aimed at attracting foreign investors.
- Acquisition of Holdings
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There are no limits on foreign ownership or control, except for certain activities customarily reserved for the state (for example military and paramilitary activities).
The state also reserves the right to participate in the equity capital of ventures established in certain sectors (e.g., petroleum and mining). There are no known systemic practices by private firms to restrict foreign investment, participation, or control.
- Obligation to Declare
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The standard practice is for the Gabonese Presidency to review foreign investment contracts after ministerial-level negotiations are completed. However, the lack of a standardized procedure for new entrants to negotiate deals with the government can lead to uncertain and time-consuming negotiations.
- Competent Organisation For the Declaration
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ANPI-Gabon
- Requests For Specific Authorisations
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ANPI-Gabon has a single-window registration process that allows domestic and foreign investors to register their business in 48 hours.
Firms are required to obtain authorization from the Ministry of Labour before hiring foreigners. Foreign workers must obtain permits before working in Gabon (depending on the availability of Gabonese nationals to fill the job in question), with quotas that can be set for the number of foreign workers. As an example, the Gabonese government decided to limit foreign workers in the oil sector to a maximum of 10% of a company’s workforce and to require that Gabonese occupy all executive posts.
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Latest Update: April 2024
Gabon: Investing in Gabon
