Gabon plans to raise about $2.01 billion from international markets in 2027 to help finance its budget, as the government forecasts stronger economic growth and higher oil production while debt repayment costs increase.
The planned international borrowing of 1.144 trillion CFA francs is contained in a draft 2027 finance bill adopted by the cabinet and awaiting parliamentary approval, according to the Economy and Finance Ministry.
The proposed budget puts total state resources and expenditure at 6.223 trillion CFA francs, equivalent to about $10.96 billion, representing an increase of 727.9 billion CFA francs from the revised 2026 budget.
Gabon also plans to raise about $1.06 billion from domestic or regional markets, borrow $528.4 million from banks, receive $1.06 billion in budget support and secure about $506 million in project financing.
The government is forecasting economic growth of 4.5% in 2027, compared with 4% this year.
The expansion is expected to be supported partly by higher oil production. Gabon projects crude output will rise 4.1% to 11.3 million metric tons in 2027 from 10.8 million tons this year.
The budget assumes an average price of $70 per barrel for Gabonese crude, below the $80 per barrel assumption for 2026.
The government also expects stronger manganese production, with output projected to increase 8.6% to 10.35 million tons. The assumed manganese price is set at $241.90 per ton, up 45% from the 2026 assumption.
Iron ore production is also expected to begin in 2027, with output projected at 1.5 million tons.
The borrowing plans come as Gabon faces higher debt-related costs. Debt servicing is projected to rise to about $1.18 billion in 2027 from $859 million in the revised 2026 budget.
The government has budgeted about $3.31 billion for debt amortisation next year and plans to clear a further $252 million in arrears.
The increased borrowing follows Gabon’s decision earlier this year to authorise up to $1.5 billion in international borrowing under its revised 2026 budget.
That budget included a financing gap of about $1.61 billion and came as the government sought an International Monetary Fund programme while awaiting an audit of public borrowing between 2016 and 2024.
The 2027 borrowing programme will therefore increase Gabon’s reliance on external financing as the government seeks to fund spending, meet debt obligations and support its economic development plans.
The draft budget must still be approved by parliament before becoming law.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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