Gabon Country Summary

FATF Status

Gabon is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Gabon was undertaken in 2026. According to that Evaluation, Gabon was deemed Compliant for 4 and Largely Compliant for 14 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective 0 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Gabon faces significant challenges related to crime and corruption, with a pervasive culture of impunity undermining enforcement of anti-corruption laws. While the government has established mechanisms to combat illicit enrichment and has made some efforts to recover stolen funds, widespread corruption remains a critical issue, particularly in the extractive industries, where transparency is severely lacking.

The country also grapples with various criminal markets, including human trafficking, illegal logging, and the trade of counterfeit goods, which are often facilitated by high-level corruption. Despite some civil society efforts to address these issues, the overall resilience to crime is weakened by a lack of specialized judicial resources, inconsistent law enforcement, and limited press freedom, which hampers accountability and transparency in governance.

Gabon presents a complex economic and investment climate characterized by its rich natural resources and strategic location, yet marred by recent political instability following a military coup in August 2023. The new government, led by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has prioritized economic reforms aimed at restoring investor confidence and diversifying the economy, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and agribusiness. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, which continue to hinder foreign direct investment and overall economic growth, although the economy showed signs of recovery with a growth rate of 2.9% in 2024.