An IMF team led by Aliona Cebotari visited Libreville from September 14 to September 25 to assess public debt, fiscal developments and the government’s economic plans for 2027.

The mission followed a request by the Gabonese government for an IMF-backed programme. “Against the backdrop of the government’s request for an IMF-supported programme, the staff team held technical discussions with the authorities on the findings of the public debt audit, fiscal developments and policy plans for 2027,” Cebotari said.

The IMF and Gabonese authorities also discussed structural reforms aimed at strengthening the management of public finances.

Technical discussions will continue in the coming weeks, covering fiscal conditions, public debt developments and the economic outlook. “The mission also discussed the authorities’ ambitious structural reform agenda to improve the management of public finances,” Cebotari said.

“Technical discussions on fiscal and public debt developments, along with the outlook, will continue in the coming weeks, with a view to paving the way for programme discussions.”

The IMF statement did not provide details about the size, duration or conditions of a possible programme.

Continued engagement will determine whether the technical discussions advance to formal negotiations on financial support.

During the visit, the IMF team met Gabon President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Vice-President Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Vice-President Hermann Immongault, Minister of Economy and Finance Thierry Minko and Minister of Planning Louise Pierrette Mvono.

Discussions were also held with senior government officials, representatives of the Presidential Taskforce on Debt and the Bank of Central African States.

The mission further engaged representatives from Gabon’s financial sector as part of the assessment. “The team thanks the authorities and other stakeholders for their very warm hospitality and candid engagement during the visit,” Cebotari said.

–IMF/ChannelAfrica–