On November 13, in Port-Gentil, Gabon's Minister of Justice, Augustin Emane, opened a symposium focused on building trust between the judiciary and economic operators. The event, themed "Justice and Business Climate: Building Trust Based on Judicial Security," aims to address concerns of economic operators and identify ways to improve Gabon's business environment. The symposium was organized in response to concerns expressed by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during the Superior Council of the Judiciary on September 16.
Minister Emane emphasized that companies must operate within the law while being protected by their rights. He stressed the need for an impartial, predictable, and accessible judiciary to guarantee investment security. The minister invited economic operators to report difficulties to the Chancellery without attempting to influence judicial procedures. He also urged companies to take responsibility and avoid corrupt practices. According to Emane, trust between the judiciary and the economy relies on mutual respect for rules and obligations.
Arthur Mbina Nzamba, President of the Gabon Oil Union (UPEGA), highlighted the importance of judicial security for sustainable investment. He cited concerns such as slow procedures, unpredictable decisions, and difficulties in executing decisions. Mbina Nzamba outlined three key expectations: predictable judicial decisions, efficient procedures, and strengthened mutual trust between public authorities and businesses.
The symposium aims to develop concrete solutions to enhance judicial security for investments and boost Gabon's economic attractiveness. Minister Emane noted that Port-Gentil, as a major economic hub, provides a suitable platform for identifying challenges faced by companies. The event brings together judicial actors and the private sector to establish a dialogue and address concerns.
The Minister of Justice emphasized that companies should not be above the law, but rather operate within a framework that guarantees their protection. He encouraged economic operators to engage with the judiciary and report any difficulties they encounter. This approach, Emane believes, will help build trust and improve the business environment.
The symposium is part of a broader effort to address concerns expressed by President Oligui Nguema regarding the judiciary and business climate. By engaging with economic operators and judicial actors, the authorities aim to create a more favorable environment for investment and economic growth.
The outcome of the symposium is expected to contribute to the development of solutions that will enhance judicial security and promote trust between the judiciary and economic operators. This, in turn, is expected to strengthen Gabon's economic attractiveness and promote sustainable investment.
Key points
- The symposium aims to develop concrete solutions to enhance judicial security for investments and boost Gabon's economic attractiveness.
