Digitalization is becoming a key driver for improving service efficiency and drawing in investment, with governments aiming to modernize essential sectors to foster growth and optimize resource use.
Gabon’s Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Digital Economy announced a strategic partnership to develop a digital platform to manage the country’s mining sector. This unified system will facilitate the mapping, monitoring, and regulation of mining operations across Gabon.
“The agreement focuses on creating tailored, locally-developed solutions for managing mining permits, which helps avoid outsourcing costs. Gabon has the skills and knowledge needed to implement this,” said Mines Minister Gilles Nembe.
The platform is part of the transitional government’s digitalization initiative to modernize major sectors, making them more attractive and supporting economic diversification. In 2022, Gabon’s mining sector accounted for 5% of the GDP, 7% of employment, and 9% of exports, per the African Development Bank (AfDB), underscoring its importance to the national economy.
This digital platform will centralize the management of mining permits, providing investors with easier access to essential information. It will offer online services for permit applications, payments, and renewals, creating a more efficient and transparent business environment. In addition to drawing private investors, this digital shift will enhance the governance of Gabon’s natural resources, improving data management and transparency in resource management.