The initiative was discussed during a meeting held on 11 September, which brought together officials from the Ministry of the Digital Economy, Moov Africa Gabon, Airtel Gabon, the Digital Infrastructure Heritage Company (SPIN), and the General Directorate for the Development of Digital Networks.
The project envisions extending the national backbone by 1,800km, pooling existing infrastructure to lower costs, and establishing a transparent governance framework to oversee development. Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening technical centres across various localities to improve digital coverage and service quality, making high-speed internet more accessible to both citizens and businesses.
Stakeholders explored innovative financing models that could boost private sector involvement while easing the financial burden on the government. This initiative is part of Gabon’s broader efforts to bolster its digital infrastructure, building on previous developments such as the approximately 1,628km of fibre optic cable laid under the Central African Backbone 4 (CAB4) project. This project, carried out in partnership with the World Bank, connects several regions within Gabon and neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. The ongoing expansion aligns with a growing demand for broadband connectivity across households, enterprises, and public administrations.
Despite the network’s incomplete status, Gabon already ranks among African nations with relatively high internet coverage, achieving an ICT development index of 76.1 out of 100 in 2025, according to the International Telecommunication Union. Nevertheless, challenges remain in reaching rural and peri-urban areas where connectivity is less reliable. The creation of a joint entity dedicated to fibre optic development is expected to optimize investments, reduce operational costs, and streamline network maintenance. A partnership between Moov Africa and Airtel, announced during the meeting, marks a significant step toward strengthening cooperation and accelerating the project’s implementation.
Ultimately, enhancing connectivity is anticipated to stimulate digital commerce, support the digital transformation of government and business sectors, and promote digital inclusion for the population, many of whom still lack access to broadband services.
