REC MEMBERSHIP – ECCAS, OHADA

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Gabon Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG)

Overall Governance score: 46.6 (/100) Rank: 32nd (out of 54 countries)

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The current population of Gabon is 2,592,268 as of 29 June 2025, based on Worldometer’s elaboration of the latest United Nations data.

Gabon’s 2025 population is estimated at 2,593,130 people at mid-year.

The informal economy in Gabon is significant and accounted for approximately 33.6% of GDP in 2023.

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Gabon’s legal system combines French civil law and customary law.

The influence of French civil law is reflected in the codification and structure of national legislation, while customary law reflects traditional norms and practices within local communities.

The legal framework also incorporates international treaties and regional legislation, including those adopted within regional economic communities.

Gabon has been a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 1960.

Gabon signed its first Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) with the ILO on 22 May 2024.

The DWCP establishes a framework aimed at promoting decent and productive work, aligned with:

• Gabon’s national development priorities
• the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

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Gabon’s legal framework generally protects workers’ rights, including:

• freedom of association
• collective bargaining
• protection against forced labour
• protection against child labour

(Arts. 4, 7 and 14 of Labour Code (Act No. 022/2021 of 19 November 2021))

However, enforcement of these rights—particularly within the informal sector and among foreign workers—can be weak.

Employment discrimination is prohibited and the law provides for acceptable working conditions, including:

• minimum wage protections
• overtime compensation

(Art. 9 of Labour Code (Act No. 022/2021 of 19 November 2021))

Gabon’s social protection system is undergoing reforms aimed at expanding coverage and addressing social inequalities.

Key legal instruments include:

• Social Protection Code (Act No. 2016-28 of 6 February 2017)

This legislation expands the range of social and economic risks covered and forms part of ongoing reforms intended to strengthen the national social security system and improve financial management.

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See sector-specific regulation below.

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* Domestic Work Sector Gabon

Gabon's legal framework for domestic workers is primarily governed by the Labour Code, which prohibits forced labour. While the Labour Code does not contain a comprehensive regime dedicated exclusively to domestic workers, it provides general protections applicable to workers including domestic workers.

• Labour Code (Act No. 022/2021 of 19 November 2021)

Where there are no employee representatives, the dismissal of domestic workers shall be contingent upon notification to the worker subject to a notice period. A copy of such notification must be sent to the relevant labour inspector. (Art. 66(3)).

• Social Protection Code (Act No. 2016-28 of 6 February 2017)

All individuals regularly resident in the country, including domestic workers, may be covered by the mobile and self-employed worker schemes. (Art. 35)

The contributions for mobile and self-employed workers and domestic workers are determined by joint order of the Ministers responsible for Social Protection and the Economy. (Art. 65)

• Act No. 028/2016 containing the Social Protection Code in the Republic of Gabon

Domestic workers legally residing in the country are potentially subject to the mobile worker and self-employed worker schemes. (Art. 35)

• Decree No. 599/PR of 17 June 1981 establishing the modalities of application of the Social Security Code

The employer of domestic workers must join the National Social Security Fund like any other employer. (Art. 7)

For domestic workers a quarterly contribution is determined by decree. (Art. 35)

• Decree implementing the Social Security Code of 8 December 1982

The back-to-school allowance due on behalf of children of workers covered by the domestic workers’ scheme is paid directly by the National Social Security Fund. (Art. 4)

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* Street Vendors Gabon

Street vending in Gabon is regulated through municipal hygiene regulations and national food safety legislation.

• Decree No. 00310/2004/PE/CL/SG/DGAAJ/DR of 1 April 2004 supplementing Decree No. 001/2000 on hygiene regulations for the municipality of Libreville.

Article 35 prohibits:

- street vending near public buildings - vending on pavements and roads - selling goods from bags, bowls, baskets or wheelbarrows - establishment of traders near schools or nurseries.

However, the Mayor of Libreville may authorise vending in open areas or designated public places where traders possess the required documentation.

• Decree No. 008/MAEPA of 05 March 2021 establishing procedures for issuing health approvals.

Street food vendors must obtain Category 3 health approval (AS CAT3).

Street food includes the sale of:

- grilled meat or fish - roast chicken - sandwiches - pastries and doughnuts - hot drinks - cold drinks - fruit and vegetables - ready meals.

The annual fee for street bakeries is 15,000 CFA francs. (Art. 20)

• Decree No. 000326/PR/MAEPA of 27 August 2020 determining hygiene conditions for street food businesses.

Street food vendors must comply with hygiene, food safety, and environmental regulations governing preparation and sale of food products.

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* Waste Reclaiming Gabon

Waste management in Gabon is regulated through environmental legislation promoting waste reduction, recycling, and recovery.

Environmental management laws establish obligations regarding the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste and regulate waste management activities carried out by individuals or businesses.

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* Home Working Gabon

Gabon does not grant a general statutory right to work from home. However, where employment contracts permit remote work, employees may perform work remotely under the terms of the contract.

• Labour Code (Act No. 022/2021 of 19 November 2021)

Remote working refers to any form of work organisation in which work that could have been performed on the employer's premises is carried out outside those premises using information and communication technologies.

Any employee who performs work remotely is considered a remote worker.

Where the employer and employee agree to remote work, the arrangement must be formalised by agreement between the parties.

Where a worker living with a disability or a caregiver requests remote work, the employer must give reasons for refusal.

Remote work may be mandatory in situations such as:

- war - force majeure - epidemic - pandemic - situations preventing workers from travelling to the workplace.

Remote workers have the same rights as workers performing their work on company premises.

The terms governing remote work are determined through collective agreements or company agreements. (Art. 53)

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* Gig Work and the Platform Economy Gabon

• Social Protection Code (Act No. 2016-28 of 6 February 2017)

Mobile and self-employed worker schemes include both basic and supplementary social protection systems. (Art. 32)

Mobile and self-employed workers are entitled to social security and social protection benefits. (Art. 34)

These schemes potentially cover:

- domestic workers - traders - other self-employed workers. (Art. 35)

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* Farm Work Gabon

• Labour Code (Act No. 022/2021 of 19 November 2021)

Working hours in farming enterprises are calculated on the basis of 2,400 hours per year. (Art. 196)

Specific occupational safety and health provisions apply to sectors including farming and forestry. (Art. 259)

• Act No. 022/2008 relating to the Farming Code.

Farmers benefit from investment support including:

- access to credit - tax incentives - investment support premiums.

Farmers and farming cooperatives may be exempt from several taxes including business tax and VAT. (Arts. 20-21)

• Act No. 023/2008 relating to sustainable agricultural development policy.

Farmers must declare their activities to the authorities and obtain registration with the Ministry of Farming. (Art. 9)

Registered farmers may access agricultural policy benefits and training. (Art. 14)

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* The Mining Sector and Artisanal Mining Gabon

The mining sector is governed primarily by Mining Code Law No. 037/2018.

Only Gabonese nationals may engage in artisanal mining. (Art. 12)

Artisanal miners must obtain an artisanal mining permit valid for two years. (Art. 69)

Permit holders must pay 5% of the market value of production unless exempted by the Minister responsible for Mines. (Art. 68)

Failure to obtain a permit may result in fines between 50,000 and 1,000,000 CFA francs. (Art. 266)

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* Taxi and Transport Sector Gabon

• Decree No. 000095/PR/MTMM of 28 February 2000 regulating taxi drivers.

Requirements include:

- minimum age requirements - valid driving licences - medical fitness tests - professional licence issued by transport authorities.

• Order No. 000096/MTMM/SG/DGTT of 27 July 2000 organising taxi driver competency examinations.

The exam consists of theoretical and practical components.

• Decree No. 000311/PR/MTAC of 2 April 2020 regulating public passenger transport.

Public passenger transport services require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Transport.

Drivers must hold competency certificates and required licences.

Drivers must present documentation authorising transport activities upon request by authorised officials.

• Press Release No. 001050/MTMMM/SG of 24 July 2024 regulating the taxi profession.

Taxi drivers must:

- be between 21 and 60 years old - hold category B and D licences - pass taxi driving ability tests - hold a taxi driver licence issued by the Ministry of Transport.

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* Cross-Border Informal Trade Gabon

Research ongoing.