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 Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Gabon was undertaken in 2023. According to that Evaluation, Gabon was deemed Compliant for 3 and Largely Compliant for 12 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was deemed 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, characterized by limited enforcement of anti-corruption laws and a pervasive culture of impunity among public officials. Despite the establishment of initiatives like the Commission to Combat Illicit Enrichment and the recent creation of a task force to recover stolen government funds, corruption remains widespread, particularly in the extractive industries, where contracting processes lack transparency and pose high risks for businesses.

The country also grapples with various forms of organized crime, including human trafficking, illegal logging, and the trade of counterfeit goods, all exacerbated by state-embedded actors and a judicial system that often serves the interests of the ruling elite. While civil society organizations play a role in addressing these issues, their effectiveness is hampered by limited resources and a constrained environment for press freedom, highlighting the need for greater resilience and accountability in Gabon's governance and law enforcement structures.

Gabon, a country with a small population and abundant natural resources, has historically enjoyed economic stability, but this was disrupted by a military coup in August 2023 following national elections. The coup led to the establishment of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), which has since focused on implementing economic and social reforms to address rising living costs and unemployment, particularly among the youth. Despite ongoing efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil and mining, Gabon remains heavily reliant on these sectors for revenue, and significant investment in infrastructure is needed to support trade and economic growth.