Central bank holds key to Gabon’s oil future
If oil companies are forced to hold revenues in the local currency—combined with mandated Opec cuts—the Central African country will struggle to attract the new investment it desires
A revised hydrocarbons code has cut taxes on Gabon’s oil industry, but foreign firms warn these reforms will count for little unless the regional central bank waters down plans to impose harsh new currency rules. Six countries including Opec members Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are part of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (Cemac) and use the Central African franc, which is governed by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). The central bank’s new regulations would require companies to retain their revenues, which must be denominated in francs, at banks within the Cemac region. This would force firms to exchange dollar-denominated revenues into francs, incurring exchange
Also in this section
1 April 2025
There is method to the US president’s apparent madness, and those seeking to understand need look no further than their local bookshop
1 April 2025
Strong economic growth targets are encouraging for the country’s energy demand growth, even if meeting those goals might be a tall order
28 March 2025
The Central Asian country is positioning itself as a low-carbon leader, but antiquated infrastructure and a dependence on Russia are holding it back
28 March 2025
MCEDD 2025 took place in Madrid this week with record attendance and a wide-ranging programme, reflecting the deepwater sector’s renewed momentum, strategic focus and accelerating technological innovation.
