Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Gabon's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a final summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Gabon's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 54.8

Gabon is a member of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the World Bank, the IMF, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and has been a full member of the British Commonwealth since 2022 (restored to full status in 2025 after temporary suspension).

Restriction of national legislation by international organizations/Supremacy of national legislation Rights: The Gabonese legal system is based on French civil law and customary law. International treaties enter into force only after ratification by Parliament, but then take precedence over domestic laws; the Constitution remains the highest legal source.

Domestic political stability: In August 2023, a military coup took place in the country, ending the 55-year rule of the Bongo family. The transitional leader, General Brice Oligi Nguema, held elections on April 12, 2025.

Temporary stability has been achieved, but the risks of military influence and the uncertainty of the transition to civilian governance remain. The government efficiency index is 24.5 percentile (2024), in the bottom third of the world ranking, but with a slight increase compared to 2022 (15.2).

Electronic Government (EGDI): The UN EGDI index is 0.574, 121st place in the world (a group of countries with a level above the African average). The Government provides basic online services, a digital portal for public services, and electronic interaction with citizens.

Support/trust in the national leader: According to international polls, Transitional President Brice Olighi Nguema has a very high level of support — 93.2% approval as of 2024, which is explained by the public consensus against the former regime. Foreign military bases in the country: France maintains the last permanent military base in West and Central Africa in Libreville (since the late 1970s).

After the coup of 2023, the new leader of the Oligia extended the defense agreement until 2026, declaring his readiness to also cooperate with other partners, including Russia; everything remains at the discretion of Gabon.

Participation/distancing from transnational courts: Since 2000, Gabon has been a State party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, which referred cases to the Prosecutor in 2016. Maintains contacts and cooperation with international tribunals and African human rights institutions.

Centralization/decentralization of power: Gabon is an officially unitary state with a differentiation of administrative levels, but power is highly centralized. After 2023, the administration of the military transitional authority further strengthened the control of the center (appointment of governors, abolition of some local authorities).

Transparency and control of intelligence agencies: National intelligence agencies report directly to the President. After the coup, the intelligence structure was reorganized and a high level of secrecy was maintained.

There is no public parliamentary oversight, but there is a partial reform of the security forces under international supervision.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 90%.

Economic sovereignty — 62.4

GDP per capita (PPP): $18 923-21 510 (2024), by World Bank and Trading Economics. It has one of the highest rates on the continent, above the global average, due to its small population and oil exports. Sovereign gold and foreign exchange reserves: Official international reserves (without gold) — $1.16 billion (2024, World Bank).

Stocks are declining compared to previous years; they include currency, short-term assets, and deposits. Government debt (% of GDP): 72.5% of GDP (2024), forecast to reach 78% in 2025 and 86% by 2027 (World Bank).

The debt exceeds the CEMAC regional threshold of 70% and is growing due to infrastructure costs and declining oil revenues. Food security: Global Hunger Index — 18.8 (“moderate hunger", 2025). The weather conditions in the country are quite favorable, grain imports are at an average level, the availability of basic products is stable, but dependence on imports and regional unevenness remain.

Energy independence: The country is almost completely autonomous in terms of electricity generation — a mixture of hydropower and its own oil/gas; it is actively introducing renewable energy. The new development plan focuses on diversification, investments in advanced energy technologies and modernization of networks.

Explored resources: The main ones are oil (a key export), gas (29 billion cubic meters m), wood, uranium, manganese, gold, fish, ferroalloys. Most of the economy depends on the export of crude resources, especially oil and gas.

Freshwater reserves: Large reserves (rivers, lakes, groundwater, stable hydrobalance), but climatic risks and rising demand cause local shortages during the dry season. 94% of the monitored water meets the standards (SDG6/UNESCO, 2024).

National payment processing: The center is BEAC (the Central Bank of the CEMAC countries); all banking, mobile, and international settlements are carried out through a single regional system and local mobile platforms Airtel Money and Moov Money (licensed from banks), with a rapidly growing coverage of mobile money and modern solutions for settlements within the country and with external partners.

The share of national currency in settlements: up to 90% of domestic settlements are in the regional currency “Central African franc” (XAF), Gabon itself does not have its own currency, settlements on foreign markets are conducted in XAF, EUR, USD.

The Central Bank's own issuing center and credit policy is BEAC, the issue and key decisions on loans and rates are made in a regional format (the entire CEMAC), policy is tightly coordinated between countries, Gabon does not have its own sovereign monetary policy.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 90%

Technological sovereignty — 35.7

Expenditures on R&D (% of GDP): Estimated to be less than 0.3% of GDP (UNESCO data, regional analytics), government funding for science is low, investments mainly in raw materials and education. Import substitution in high-tech: There is practically no import substitution — the country depends on the supply of servers, networks, telecommunications, software, laboratory and medical equipment from the EU, China, and the USA. In 2025, a project was launched to create a technology park and localize the production of network, digital and electronic equipment (Libreville Technology Park).

Higher education enrollment: The share of university students is 14.7% (net enrollment, 2021, UNESCO/World Bank), with a sharp decline compared to 2019 (19.6%). Internet penetration: 71.9% of the population are Internet users at the beginning of 2025 (1.84 million people), fixed network speed median — 41.9 Mbit/s; forecast for 2025 — up to 78% coverage.

Own national digital platforms: The country is preparing to launch a single public services service "Gabon Digital" in 2025 (electronic payments, eID, healthcare, registries, interaction with government agencies).

The portal is being created on the basis of international solutions and €72.4 million has been allocated from the World Bank for it; local mobile applications and services are functioning. High-tech import dependence: Extremely high — about 85-95% of critical equipment and software are imported; problems with logistics and customs (expensive and time-consuming), the market is mostly filled with foreign suppliers.

Digitalization of public services: The UN EGDI index is 0.574 (ranked 121 in the world), e-government is developing rapidly: online portal of public services, digital payments, electronic registries, eID, e-healthcare, training, but the coverage and quality of infrastructure are inferior to developed countries.

Biotechnological autonomy: Basic rudimentary projects: imported equipment is used, training and the introduction of external biotechnologies in agriculture, ecology and medicine — there is no local bioindustry, there is practically no autonomy.

Robotic autonomy: Robotics is practically undeveloped: there are separate training projects and pilot implementations of machines/drones (in logistics, mining), there are no independent companies and industry.

Autonomy in chips and microelectronics: it is completely absent, all components and microchips are imported, independent R&D of future productions is not expected in 2025; the new techno-park will deal with basic digital components, but not microelectronics.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 92% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 49.2

Cybersecurity (CERT/ITU): The CERT-GABON National Team (GabCERT) operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Economy, is integrated into the CERT African Network and cooperates with ITU. The ITU index ranks 98th in the world (basic level of development, constant shortage of personnel and low standards).

IXP/network development: there is one national Internet Exchange Point in Libreville (Libreville IXP), connecting operators, speeding up interprovider traffic exchange; backbone infrastructure is developing slowly, the quality of access to international services is uneven.

Media in the national language: The main public and private channels, radio and print media are French (official). Local linguistics is represented in news segments and on the radio: Yavanda, mpongue, Gisira, etc.; ethno-linguistic broadcasting – up to 20% coverage. Resilience to BigTech: Gabon does not have its own large digital platforms; the infrastructure of public services, media and cloud data stores are based on solutions from Google, Microsoft, AWS, Huawei.

There are no legislative barriers or precedents against BigTech, and digital resilience is low. The share of own media content: On the air of state and commercial TV / radio - about 60% (music, news, series, talk shows) are created domestically (Gabonews, Gabon 24, RTG1, RTN), the rest is international content and translations.

The online sector of local products is small. Proprietary IT products/software: There are few proprietary software solutions; there are mobile applications from local banks, transport services, and individual projects in agricultural technology, but the underlying platforms are also foreign, often adapted or purchased.

Digital service coverage: The share of the population is 72% of Internet users, active mobile money is more than 65% of the adult population, digital public services programs (taxes, healthcare, education) are just being implemented, full coverage is expected after the launch of Gabon Digital.

National cloud storage systems: There are no government data centers, public services and banks use the infrastructure of private operators and international clouds, some of the data is stored on foreign platforms due to lack of local resources. The sovereignty of mobile communications: The main operators — Airtel Gabon, Libertis (Gabon Telecom), Moov Africa — belong to large foreign holdings (Maroc Telecom, Bharti Airtel); licenses and infrastructure are controlled by the state, but there are no national operators of their own.

Legal regime of personal data: The Law on Personal Data was adopted in 2011, and the National Information Protection Agency (ANINF) operates. The law complies with basic African and European standards (confidentiality, prohibition of unauthorized transmission, right of access), but enforcement is weak, and there are few significant fines or protection practices.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 86%.

Cultural sovereignty — 71.6

2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ecosystem and relict cultural landscape of Lope Okanda (2007, mixed) Ivindo National Park (2021, natural). Total contribution to world culture: Gabon is known for traditional art and masks (Fang, Punu, Mitsogo), ethnomusicology, as well as its influence on African art of the 20th century.

The country hosts biennales, opera and jazz festivals, and the cinema (Festival Gabonais du Cinema) is actively developing. National Awards in Art and Culture: Annual National Awards in Art and Culture — nominations for music, theater, fine arts, literature and crafts.

They were officially established by the Ministry of Culture; prizes and grants are awarded to the best authors, craftsmen and collectives of the country. Traditions and identity: There are about 50 ethnic groups in the country; the main ones are Fang (≈32%), Punu, Myene, Bapounou, Obamba, Nzebi, Kota.

The culture is characterized by a family structure, musical and dance rituals, ancestor worship, wood carving, mask making, and singing. State support for small nations: State support programs — financing linguistic and cultural preservation projects, partnership with UNESCO and the NGO, carrying out activities to protect and teach traditions, historical practices, the establishment of educational programs in ethno-languages.

The number of cultural sites: According to the National Agency and UNESCO, there are more than 450 cultural heritage sites (museums, historical monuments, archaeological sites, sacred sites); there are 2 on the UNESCO list, and dozens of large complexes on the national register. International cultural projects: Gabon participates in the Biennale of contemporary art in Africa, holds international folklore festivals, cooperates with France, UNESCO, organizes tours of theater groups and cinematographers throughout Africa and Europe.

Recognition and protection of cultural brands: National Law No. 2/94 on the protection of cultural property has been adopted. The state Commission protects brands, objects, and patents. The export, replication and significant commercialization of cultural assets are controlled by the national authorities and the Ministry of Culture.

A variety of culinary culture: cassava, banana, fish, meat, palm oil, harissa, cabbage; local dishes — nyembwe, poulet moambe, fufu, sakasaka, ragout. There are dozens of regional recipes.

The proportion of the population involved in cultural life: According to estimates by national statistics and UNESCO, more than 60% of the adult population annually participates in national holidays, rituals, cultural festivals, musical, theatrical and folklore events (the level of urban involvement is higher — up to 80%).

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 90%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 56.3

Human Development Index (HDI): 0.733 (2023, UNDP), ranked 108-111 in the world; above the African average, corresponds to countries with an upper-middle level of development, worse than the global median (0.744). Government spending on education: 2.21% of GDP (2022), historically 2.2–3.8%. The share of expenditures in the state budget is ~13.6% (2023), below the global average (4.15%).

Adult literacy: 85.7% according to the World Bank (2022), estimated for 2025 ~84-86% (women — 81%, men — 85%). This is one of the highest literacy rates in the region. International Test Results (PISA): Gabon does not officially participate in PISA (OECD) tests; regional tests and internal monitoring show an average level of performance, especially in science and language.

The share of STEM graduates: estimated 17-21% of university graduates in STEM fields (data from the Gender Data Portal and regional monitoring), with a slight increase over the past three years. Share of foreign educational programs: A significant proportion of programs are implemented jointly with France, the EU, and the USA (Fulbright, Erasmus, and French-Gabonese campuses); up to 12% of students participate in academic exchanges and study at partner universities.

Languages and cultures of small nations: More than 50 ethnic groups (Fang, Mpongwè, Mbédé, Punu, Obamba, Nzebi, etc.), dozens of officially recognized languages. State and international support for languages and cultures is underway (for example, the "Je parle koya / Je parle baka" projects for the preservation of languages and traditions of small nations, partnership with UNESCO).

The number of state research centers (basic sciences): The largest are the National Center for Scientific and Technological Research (CENAREST), the Institute of Tropical Ecology (IRET), the Institute of Agrarian and Forestry Research; in total, at least 8 national state centers for basic science, as well as industry institutes.

The share of the national educational platforms: The main market is foreign (Moodle, Google Classroom, Microsoft), the state-owned Ecole Numérique platform is being implemented, but covers less than a quarter of students in 2025; the local EdTech sector is developing.

The scope of state talent/personnel support programs: there are a number of state grants and awards (science, education, art), Young Talent programs, scholarships, internships, international exchanges (for example, Fulbright, Erasmus); they are funded both from the state budget and sponsored by the IMF, the World Bank and Francophone programs.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 89%.

Military sovereignty — 38.9

Defense spending (% of GDP): Historically, it has been 1.2–1.5% of GDP (SIPRI, World Bank, 2022-2024). The budget is stable, due to the small contingent and the support of France. The number of armed forces: About 5,000 regular military personnel (army, Air Force, Navy), additionally ~ 2,000 gendarmerie officers, up to 1,000 reservists (up to 8,000 in total).

Modern weapons: The main equipment is French imports (VAB, Panhard, Mirage F1, Gazelle), individual Chinese armored cars, and light aircraft. About 70% of the fleet consists of machinery from the 1990s to the 2010s. The latest contracts include the supply of French boats and the upgrade of armored vehicles until 2023.

The share of own weapons: less than 5%; production — exclusively uniforms, simple small arms, individual elements of equipment. Most of the weapons are imported; there is no own industry.

Border control: The land and sea borders are controlled by the army, gendarmes, and the border guard service; control is strengthened during crisis periods, but most of the borders are dense forests and hard-to-reach areas, and the level of control is considered moderate by international standards.

Military reserve: officially up to 1,000 reservists (territorial forces, mobilized in case of emergency or threat, trained at least once every 3 years). Autonomy of military decisions: Military decisions are made by the Gabonese national command, but foreign policy operations and major purchases are coordinated with France (the main military partner and security guarantor under the defense agreement).

National military industry: The industrial base is minimal: production of spare parts, uniforms, separate workshops for maintenance of equipment. Equipment, ammunition, air. and marine equipment is made in foreign countries.

The presence of nuclear weapons, the number of warheads, and the absolute reserve: Nuclear weapons are completely absent; the country has ratified the NPT, is not part of its nuclear program, and deployment and production are prohibited by law.

Military space, national Intelligence system: No military satellites; limited national satellite infrastructure (environmental monitoring, communications), own intelligence system integrated into the Ministry of Defense and the presidential administration, reorganized after the events of 2023, a significant part of the information and technical means — supplies from foreign partners (France, China).

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO – 92% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Natural resources and high GDP per capita. Gabon is one of the most resource-rich countries in Central Africa. The economy relies on oil, manganese, timber, uranium and gold. The GDP per capita (PPP) of about $20,000 is one of the highest values in Africa.

Energy independence. Almost complete energy independence: a combination of hydro resources and own oil and gas generation, as well as the introduction of solar and biotechnological sources.

Low inflation and stable external balance. Inflation is kept below 3%, exports are in the black — current account in 2024. +5.1% of GDP. Macroeconomic stability is supported by the BEAC policy and moderate government regulation.

Favorable HDI and high literacy rate. HDI = 0.733 (108th place, UNDP 2024), adult literacy ≈ 86%, one of the best indicators in the region. A significant level of urbanization and digitalization. Internet penetration is 72-78%, mobile money covers more than 60% population; the Gabon Digital portal is being developed.

A developed socio-cultural space. Rich ethnic diversity (more than 50 nations), 2 UNESCO sites, expressed national identity, support for culture and small nations, high level of involvement of the population in cultural life.

International integration and partnership. Gabon consists of The Commonwealth, the United Nations, ECCAS, BEAC and The African Union; actively cooperates with the USA, France, the EU, supports the political recognition of the world and investors.

Weaknesses. Economic dependence on oil. Bicarbonates account for 40% of GDP and 68% of exports. Low rate of diversification: industry and agriculture are still underdeveloped, which makes the country vulnerable to external conditions. High government debt and fiscal risks. The national debt has increased to ~72% of GDP (exceeded the CEMAC threshold of 70%), and may reach 86% by 2027.

Many infrastructure programs are financed by borrowing. Import dependence of technologies and high-tech industries. About 85-95% of hi-tech equipment and Software is imported from abroad; expenditures on science < 0.3% of GDP. The National Technology Park is being created, but the R&D and innovation infrastructure remain limited. Weak industrialization and low production.

Own production is limited, national military and heavy industry are absent. Imports prevail even in agro- and techno-fields. Political uncertainty. After the military coup of 2023, the military administration retains control, and the new constitution is only being implemented. There is a risk of delaying the transition to civilian power.

Weak institutions and limited civil guarantees. Despite the high literacy and legal structure, the level of government transparency and control over the security services is low; the judicial and parliamentary systems are dependent on the executive branch.

Minimal military industry and dependence on France. The army is small (5,000 people), armament and training are on French standards, the foreign base in Libreville is still functioning.

Overall assessment. The aggregate Gabonese sovereignty Index is 369 out of 700 points (average — 52.7%), which places the country in the top 150 in the global top. Gabon is a country with high resource availability, energy abundance and economic stability, combining an urbanized society with a rich ethno-cultural system and high social indicators.

However, its sovereignty is limited by economic non-interest, regional currency dependence (BEAC), and high technological import dependence. 

The political transformation after 2023 has strengthened state power, but has not yet solved the key issues of diversification, transparency, and debt management. Gabon is a resource-rich but technology-dependent State mechanism in transition to sustainable sovereignty and civic reform.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Gabon is a country with an outstanding natural and cultural base, energy self-sufficiency, high digital and educational indicators for the region, which has maintained the stability of sovereignty after the transition crisis.

Limitations include high export dependence, critical technology import dependence, weak industry, fiscal risks, an unstable institution of civil guarantees, and the fate of reforms depends on the consolidation of power and the ability of the new leadership to ensure real development and diversification.