Gabon Launches Strategic Partnership with UNCDF to Accelerate Digital Transformation
Gabon’s digital financial sector is developing in a context of new market actors, the introduction of innovative solutions such as digital identity and electronic signatures, and the imminent implementation of system interoperability.
The Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation (MENDI) has entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to strengthen Gabon’s digital financial services ecosystem and support the government’s goal of using digital technology as a key driver of state modernization and economic growth.
The initiative builds on a national assessment conducted by UNCDF in 2024 and aligns with the President’s “Project for Society” introduced in April 2025. The project includes the creation of a digital center of excellence and the digitalization of public services to improve administrative efficiency. The program was officially launched in Libreville with participation from public institutions, regulatory authorities, and UNCDF experts.
Gabon’s digital financial sector is developing in a context of new market actors, the introduction of innovative solutions such as digital identity and electronic signatures, and the imminent implementation of system interoperability. These changes require strengthened governance and close coordination among public institutions.
The partnership with UNCDF aims to support the government in designing and implementing robust public policies in line with the National Growth and Development Plan (PNCD 2026–2030). It will also foster sustainable inter-institutional dialogue and identify key milestones for Gabon’s future national digital transformation strategy in the financial sector.
The program focuses on two main areas. The first is inter-institutional dialogue, which seeks to harmonize public policies, enhance coordination, and create a sustainable consultation framework among institutions involved in digital financial services. The second is technical capacity building, including training for public decision-makers on electronic money governance, USSD and interoperability issues, secure financial data sharing, financial education and inclusion of vulnerable populations, consumer protection, and multi-institutional governance.
Special attention will be given to reforms that promote competition among financial service providers, the development of essential digital infrastructures, and strengthened consumer protection. The initiative will involve all institutional actors, supervisory bodies, financial service providers, and UNCDF experts, with the UNDP acting as a facilitator.
The program is fully aligned with the CEMAC Regional Financial Inclusion Strategy (2023–2027), ensuring strong coherence between Gabon’s national objectives and sub-regional priorities.
