Gabon Charts Path to Fiscal stability: Expert Outlines Key Actions
Libreville, Gabon – As Gabon navigates its public debt landscape, economist Georges Ateme MBA-NDONG has outlined a six-point plan to restore fiscal stability and rebuild trust with international creditors.
Ateme emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to debt management, advocating for a comprehensive review and analysis of the nation’s debt portfolio.This, he argues, will provide a clear understanding of Gabon’s financial obligations and inform strategic decision-making.
Key Actions for Fiscal Recovery:
- Strengthened Debt oversight: Ateme calls for stricter control over debt incurred by various ministerial departments, urging collaboration between the Ministry of Budget and Debt, investment planning agencies, and the Ministry of Economy. This coordinated effort aims to minimize needless borrowing and ensure investments are aligned with budgetary resources.
- Prioritizing Multiplier Effects: The economist proposes a focus on economic interventions that generate significant returns, known as “multiplier effects.” By carefully analyzing the potential impact of each investment project, the government can prioritize those with the highest economic benefits, maximizing the use of available resources.
- Rigorous Financial Management: Ateme stresses the importance of restoring credibility with creditors by implementing stricter financial management practices. This includes enhancing transparency, accountability, and adherence to fiscal rules, ultimately leading to improved credit ratings and lower borrowing costs.
- Shifting from Structural Adjustment to Economic Revival: Following the April 2025 presidential election, Ateme recommends redirecting the National Program for the Development of the Transition (PNDT) towards a program focused on economic stabilization and revival. This approach, he argues, will be more socially acceptable than traditional structural adjustment programs.
- Revamping the Gabonese Fund for Strategic Investments (FGIS): Ateme proposes a restructuring of the FGIS, replacing its board of directors with an independent Economic Analysis Council (CEA). This council, composed of experts in finance, economics, law, and academia, would oversee the FGIS’s operations, ensuring transparency and accountability, and mitigating risks of corruption.
- Enhanced Debt Transparency: the economist calls for the publication of a monthly debt review, detailing key metrics such as debt rate, service costs, outstanding balances, and repurchase activities. This information, shared with the President, the Minister of Public Debt, and international creditors, will promote transparency and facilitate informed decision-making.
By implementing these recommendations, Gabon can take significant steps towards achieving fiscal stability, restoring investor confidence, and securing a brighter economic future.
Gabon Charts Path to Fiscal Stability: Expert Outlines Key Actions
Time.news: Gabon is facing meaningful public debt challenges. Economist Georges Ateme MBA-NDONG has outlined a six-point plan to restore fiscal stability. Can you elaborate on these points and their implications for Gabon’s economic future?
Georges Ateme MBA-NDONG: Absolutely. Gabon needs a proactive approach to debt management, starting with a thorough review of the national debt portfolio. This will provide a clear understanding of our financial obligations and allow for strategic decision-making.
My recommendations focus on several key areas:
Strengthened debt oversight: We need stricter control over borrowing by various ministerial departments. This requires close collaboration between the Ministry of Budget and Debt, investment planning agencies, and the Ministry of Economy. The goal is to minimize unnecessary borrowing and ensure investments align with budgetary resources.
Prioritizing multiplier effects: We should focus on economic interventions that deliver considerable returns, known as “multiplier effects.” This means carefully analyzing the potential impact of each investment project and prioritizing those with the highest economic benefits. It’s about maximizing the use of available resources.
Rigorous financial management: Restoring credibility with creditors is crucial. This involves implementing stricter financial management practices, enhancing transparency, accountability, and adherence to fiscal rules. improved credit ratings and lower borrowing costs will follow.
Shifting from structural adjustment to economic revival: Post-election,we need to shift the National Program for the Advancement of the Transition (PNDT) towards an economic stabilization and revival program. This approach will be more socially acceptable than traditional structural adjustment programs.
revamping the Gabonese Fund for Strategic Investments (FGIS): Restructuring the FGIS by replacing its board of directors with an independent Economic Analysis Council (CEA) will ensure transparency and accountability. This council, composed of experts in finance, economics, law, and academia, will oversee FGIS operations and mitigate risks of corruption.
Enhanced debt transparency: Publishing a monthly debt review detailing key metrics will promote transparency and inform decision-making. This data will be shared with the President, Minister of public Debt, and international creditors.
Time.news: Your recommendations seem comprehensive. What are the biggest challenges you foresee in implementing these changes?
Georges Ateme MBA-NDONG: The biggest challenge will likely be building consensus and political will for these changes. Overcoming bureaucratic inertia and addressing deeply entrenched practices will require strong leadership and a commitment to long-term economic stability.
However, the potential benefits – a stronger economy, restored investor confidence, and a brighter future for Gabonese citizens – are well worth the effort.
Time.news: What message would you like to leave our readers regarding Gabon’s economic future?
georges Ateme MBA-NDONG:
Gabon has the potential for a prosperous future. By embracing sound fiscal policies, prioritizing economic development, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, we can overcome our current challenges and build a stronger, more resilient nation.This is a journey that requires the collective effort of all Gabonese citizens – from individuals to businesses to government institutions.
