Gabon

Gabon is one of Africa's smallest economies by population, with approximately 2.6 million people and an estimated nominal GDP of US$23.36 billion in 2026. Despite accounting for only about 0.16% of Africa's population, it generates close to 1% of the continent's GDP, supported by one of the highest GDPs per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa at around US$9,920. This reflects the country's abundant natural resources, particularly crude oil, which have long made the energy sector the foundation of the economy.

Oil remains central to Gabon's economic performance, contributing roughly 40% of GDP, around 68% of export earnings, and nearly 50% of government revenue in 2023. As a result, economic growth, fiscal performance and foreign exchange earnings remain closely tied to developments in the hydrocarbon sector. At the same time, the economy remains only moderately diversified beyond oil, timber and manganese, while high unemployment and persistent poverty highlight the challenge of translating resource wealth into broader economic development.

Looking ahead, Gabon's energy sector will continue to play a decisive role in shaping the country's economic outlook. Sustaining upstream oil production remains important for preserving public revenues and export earnings as mature fields decline, while greater investment in gas, power infrastructure and downstream industries will be essential to support economic diversification and reduce the country's long-standing dependence on crude oil.

Gabon's electricity consumption reached approximately 2.60 TWh in 2023, equivalent to around 1,023 kWh per capita. This places the country among the higher electricity consumers in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting a relatively more developed power system than many of its regional peers.

The country's electricity system is supplied primarily by natural gas and hydropower, reflecting both its hydrocarbon resources and extensive river network. In the first quarter of year 2024, natural gas accounted for around 53% of electricity generation, while hydropower supplied most of the remainder, marking a gradual shift from the more balanced gas-hydro mix recorded in previous years. Although this transition has improved supply reliability, it also highlights the limited development of one of Gabon's most significant energy resources.

This gap is particularly evident in the country's hydropower sector. Gabon possesses an estimated 5–6 GW of technically feasible hydropower potential, yet only about 330 MW has been developed to date, representing less than 6% of available resources. Total installed electricity generation capacity stands at approximately 886 MW, underscoring the substantial opportunity to expand renewable generation through new hydro projects.

Recognising these challenges, the government has stepped up investment in electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to improve the reliability of supply and support long-term economic development. Continued expansion of hydropower and gas-fired generation, alongside grid modernisation efforts, is expected to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on costly diesel generation.