Gabon Embarks on Decentralization, Identifying Over 20 Ministries for Transfer of Near 180 Competencies. LIBREVILLE, Gabon — 10 February 2026 (AGP) – The Gabonese government has identified over 20 ministries to transfer nearly 180 competencies to local communities, a move aimed at enhancing decentralization and improving public services across the nation. Vice-president of the government, Hermann Immongault, highlighted the significance of the reform during an appearance on the television show “Le Gouvernement s’exprime,” indicating that the primary goal is to break the excessive centralization of public policies in Libreville.
The intent is to enable residents in the interior of the country to access state services directly.
According to Immongault, more than 20 ministries have been pinpointed to gradually transfer about 180 competencies to local communities, supported by the necessary budgetary and human resources.
However, he emphasized that the decentralization process will not be completed within the first 100 days of the government’s action.
During this period, the ministry responsible for decentralization is tasked with finalizing legal arrangements, budget estimates, and human resource mechanisms, in collaboration with the ministry of public function. Initially, state agents with specific competencies will be placed at the disposal of concerned local communities.
The government is hopeful that this reform will bring public services closer to citizens, ending their constant reliance on central government administrations based in Libreville.
Each of Gabon’s 52 communes will have its own budget, outlined in the five-year programming, allowing them to plan and execute local development projects under the supervision of the competent ministries and the Court of Accounts.
In a bid for transparency, the government has assured that local community budgets and projects will be publicly disclosed, enabling populations to monitor and assess the actions of their elected officials. Previous assessments have indicated that local governments in Gabon have been weak in assuming their assigned roles, especially in water supply coordination.
The WHO GLAAS Country Survey in 2011 highlighted the insufficient coordination and capacity of local governments in the country, suggesting that the transfer of competencies may face challenges in implementation. Further details on the competencies to be transferred and the implementation plan are awaited.
The situation remains developing, with the government expecting the process to gradually unfold over time.
Sources: Government of Gabon, official statements indicate.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
