World Bank Confirms Gabon's GDP Growth Rate of 3.7% for 2026
The World Bank projects Gabon's GDP growth at 3.7% in 2026, similar to Cameroon and Chad. This growth is expected from a gradual economic rebalancing, with sectors like timber, manganese, palm oil, and rubber compensating for declining oil production. Mining, particularly the new iron ore exploitation in Belinga, will also contribute. However, structural weaknesses remain, with a projected budget deficit of 4.6% of GDP by 2026-2027. Many Gabonese report rising living costs, indicating that economic growth may not improve daily life significantly.
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The World Bank estimates a 3.7% GDP growth rate for Gabon in 2026, aligning with forecasts for Cameroon and Chad. This growth is attributed to a gradual economic rebalancing, where declining oil production is offset by increases in timber, manganese, palm oil, and rubber sectors.
New iron ore mining in Belinga will further support this growth. Despite these developments, structural vulnerabilities persist, with a projected budget deficit of 4.6% of GDP by 2026-2027. Rising living costs are reported by many Gabonese, suggesting that the anticipated growth may not translate into improved living standards.
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