As Gabon prepares to mark its 66th Independence Day, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has unveiled a 51 billion FCFA injection to settle portions of outstanding debts owed to local businesses. This decisive move aims to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises while revitalizing the private sector’s operational capacity.

The government is accelerating its domestic debt clearance initiative, with the President confirming the allocation of 51 billion FCFA to settle business claims ahead of national celebrations. Of this total, 30 billion FCFA targets companies in the mining and timber industries, while the remaining 21 billion FCFA will address debts across other sectors, with special priority given to SMEs and mid-sized firms.

The announcement follows high-level discussions between the Head of State and representatives of the Federation of Gabonese Enterprises, alongside leaders of private sector associations. The meeting, held at the Palais de la Rénovation in Libreville, focused on the challenges facing businesses, job preservation strategies, and measures to sustain economic momentum.

In the initial phase, the Treasury will release 21 billion FCFA to honor 1,478 pending payment orders issued between 2022 and 2026. Affected enterprises span critical sectors such as construction, maintenance, food supplies, and fuel distribution—all vital to the nation’s economic stability.

The authorities emphasize that this initiative will inject much-needed liquidity into businesses, safeguard employment, and reinforce private sector resilience. The 51 billion FCFA disbursement represents a pivotal step in a broader agenda to eliminate an estimated 4,652 billion FCFA in domestic arrears owed to private enterprises.

By systematically clearing these liabilities, the government seeks to enhance business operating conditions, foster investor confidence, and sustain Gabon’s economic momentum. This targeted financial intervention underscores a commitment to structural reform and private sector empowerment as the country advances toward its developmental goals.