Gabon has launched a comprehensive review of its mining contracts, covering agreements signed between 2010 and 2024, in a move aimed at strengthening transparency and governance, Bloomberg reports. The government has also committed to publishing all contracts in full, signalling an effort to enhance fiscal credibility.

The audit comes as mining forms a central component of Gabon’s economic strategy alongside oil. Manganese production, operated by France’s Eramet and China’s Industrial and Commercial Mining Company of Huazhou, accounts for a significant portion of export revenues. Australian companies are exploring for gold and zinc, while Fortescue Ltd. is advancing an iron ore project in a joint venture with the government. Analysts suggest that clarifying contractual obligations could improve investor confidence in the country’s resource sector.

The review is closely linked to Gabon’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund. The IMF suspended a three-year 553 million US dollars extended fund facility following a coup in August 2023. Since winning the presidency in April, Brice Oligui Nguema has sought a new arrangement with the multilateral lender to stabilise public finances and support economic growth. Government spokeswoman Nadine Nathalie Awanang emphasised the audit’s role in reinforcing governance standards and ensuring accountability.

Economic forecasts point to modest expansion in the near term. The IMF expects Gabon’s gross domestic product to rise to 2.6 percent in 2026, from 1.9 percent this year, while inflation is projected to increase to 2.5 percent from 1.4 percent.