Gabon's government plans to borrow $2.01 billion (1.144 trillion CFA francs) from international markets in 2027, as outlined in a draft budget. This borrowing is part of a larger funding strategy that also includes 600 billion CFA francs from domestic or regional markets, 300 billion CFA francs in bank borrowing, 600 billion CFA francs in budget support, and 287.3 billion CFA francs in project finance. The total state resources and expenditure are projected at 6.223 trillion CFA francs, an increase of 727.9 billion CFA francs from the revised 2026 budget.
The draft budget, which is subject to parliamentary approval, forecasts economic growth of 4.5% in 2027, up from 4.0% in 2026. Oil production is expected to rise by 4.1% to 11.30 million metric tons from 10.80 million tons in 2026, despite an assumed average Gabonese crude price of $70 per barrel, down from $80 in 2026. Manganese output is projected to increase by 8.6% to 10.35 million tons, with an assumed price hike of 45% to $241.9 a ton. Iron ore production is also expected to commence in 2027, with an initial output of 1.5 million tons.
However, the country anticipates a sharp rise in debt service and debt repayment costs. Debt servicing costs are projected to reach 667.3 billion CFA francs in 2027, a significant increase from 487.6 billion CFA francs in the revised 2026 budget. Debt amortization is budgeted at 1.880 trillion CFA francs, and the government also plans to clear 142.9 billion CFA francs in arrears.
