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, 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, corruption remains endemic, particularly in the extractive industries, and is exacerbated by a lack of transparency in contracting processes and the influence of state-embedded actors in facilitating various crimes.

The country also grapples with serious criminal issues, including human trafficking, environmental crimes, and drug trafficking, while its judicial system struggles with corruption and limited capacity. Although civil society organizations play a role in addressing these issues, their effectiveness is hampered by restrictions on press freedom and limited resources for victim support, highlighting the need for greater resilience and reform in Gabon's governance and law enforcement structures.

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.