Gabon Suspends Duties and Taxes on Essential Goods. LIBREVILLE, Gabon — 15 February 2026 Lead Paragraph: The Gabonese government has announced a six-month suspension of duties and taxes on a range of consumer goods and construction materials, aimed at protecting the purchasing power of households, according to an official communiqué from the Ministry of Economy, Finance, Debt, and Participations.
The measure, effective immediately and ordered by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, targets essential items such as meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, canned goods, rice, pasta, oils, sugar, and basic construction materials like steel bars, cement, gravel, and sand.
The suspension includes the temporary halt of import duties, the Value Added Tax (VAT), and the scanning fee for these products.
The government has emphasized the importance of respecting the provisions of the suspension to support the most vulnerable sections of society. To ensure compliance and address potential abuses, a hotline will be made available to consumers to report any violations.
The move comes in response to the economic challenges faced by Gabon, which has been addressing high inflation and a shrinking economy.
The COVID — 19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, placing additional financial strain on both households and businesses.
The implications of the suspension on the country’s budget and long-term economic stability are yet to be fully assessed.
Further details are expected as the government monitors the implementation of this measure and its impact on the market.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
