The Gabonese government and Moov Africa Gabon Télécom have signed an investment convention for the Lambaréné-Mouila section of the fiber optic network. The signing ceremony took place in Mouila, the capital of Ngounié province in southern Gabon. The agreement was signed by Mark-Alexandre Doumba, Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation. This development is part of the National Growth and Development Plan, which aims to create a resilient digital infrastructure.
The convention follows the activation of the 196 km section at the Fougamou technical center. Moov Africa Gabon Télécom pre-financed the project through Gabon Fiber. The partnership between the state and the operator will facilitate the future exploitation of the network and extend the national Backbone from 1,782 km to 3,433 km. The minister highlighted the innovative financing scheme, which mobilized 3 billion FCFA without requiring a state budget allocation.
Mark-Alexandre Doumba commended Moov Africa for fulfilling its commitments and praised the realization as a step towards achieving the vision of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The president has made digitalization a key priority. The minister noted that the country's fiber optic network has grown by 13-14% in recent months. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in developing Gabon's digital infrastructure.
Lauric Owono Engongah, Director-General of Gabon Fiber, acknowledged the role of the state in establishing Gabon Fiber to manage existing backbones and develop new sections. He welcomed the efforts of the president and the minister in reviving the national Backbone rehabilitation project, which had stalled since 2019. Owono Engongah expressed satisfaction with the completion of the project, which will provide improved internet connectivity to the Moyen-Ogooué and Ngounié regions.
As part of the partnership, Gabon Fiber will take over the exploitation, maintenance, and commercialization of the network starting November 16, 2026. The agreement was signed on September 14, 2026. The development is expected to enhance internet services in the regions and support the growth of digital economy in Gabon.
The project aligns with the government's goal of expanding digital infrastructure and promoting economic growth. The signing of the convention marks a significant milestone in the development of Gabon's digital sector. The collaboration between the government and Moov Africa is expected to have a positive impact on the country's connectivity and digital services.
The completion of the Lambaréné-Mouila section is a notable achievement in Gabon's efforts to improve its digital infrastructure. The project demonstrates the potential for public-private partnerships to drive growth and development in the digital economy. The government and Moov Africa will continue to work together to enhance internet connectivity and promote digitalization in Gabon.
Key points
- The Gabonese government and Moov Africa have signed an investment convention for the Lambaréné-Mouila section of the fiber optic network.
- The project aims to extend the national Backbone from 1,782 km to 3,433 km and improve internet connectivity in the Moyen-Ogooué and Ngounié regions.
- The partnership between the state and Moov Africa was facilitated through a 3 billion FCFA financing scheme that did not require a state budget allocation.
