• Gabon enacts digital law to modernize public services, boost transparency.
• Framework stresses inclusion, data security, local private sector role.
• Gov’t targets higher UN e-gov ranking, job creation and investment inflows.

Gabon has introduced a legal framework to accelerate the digital transformation of its public administration, part of efforts to boost competitiveness and modernize services.

The ordinance, signed by transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and published in the country’s official gazette on Sept. 7, sets out guiding principles for e-government reforms. The measures aim to improve efficiency and transparency, curb corruption through process traceability, and foster economic growth via digital innovation.

The framework emphasizes universal access to technology, interoperability of systems, data security and privacy, and digital inclusion to narrow the digital divide. It also calls for greater participation from local private-sector players, including a preference clause for domestic firms in public tenders related to digitalization.

Gabon currently ranks 174th out of 193 countries in the United Nations’ e-government development index (EGDI), with a score of 0.5741. Authorities say the reforms are designed to close that gap and position the country among Africa’s leaders in digital governance.

The initiative is expected to stimulate the local tech ecosystem, create jobs and attract investment in a sector considered vital to diversifying Gabon’s economy beyond oil.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum