Gabon: a joint entity in preparation to develop optical fiber
September 15th 2025
Planned to extend 1,800 km of the fiber optic backbone aims to improve broadband access. The initiative aims to reduce data costs, improve coverage, and make the country a regional connectivity hub.
Gabon intends to establish a “common vehicle” dedicated to the development of fiber optics. The issue was the focus of a meeting held on Thursday, September 11, bringing together officials from the Ministry of the Digital Economy, Moov Africa Gabon, Airtel Gabon, as well as the Digital Infrastructure Heritage Company (SPIN) and the General Directorate for the Development of Digital Networks.
The project involves extending the national backbone by 1,800 km, pooling infrastructure to reduce costs, and establishing a transparent governance framework. It also involves strengthening technical centers in several localities to improve the coverage and quality of digital services and facilitate access to high-speed internet for citizens and businesses. Stakeholders also discussed innovative financing models aimed at increasing private sector participation while easing financial pressure on the state.
This strategy is part of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure. Gabon has already developed approximately 1,628 km of fiber optics through the CAB4 (Central African Backbone 4) project, carried out in partnership with the World Bank and connecting several regions of the country as well as neighboring countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo. The expansion comes amid a digital transformation marked by growing demand for broadband connectivity, for households, businesses, and public administrations alike.
Although the network is not yet complete, Gabon already ranks among African countries with relatively high internet coverage, with an ICT development index of 76.1 out of 100 in 2025, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report. However, the country still faces connectivity challenges in some rural and peri-urban areas.
The creation of a joint entity for the development of fiber optics should optimize investments, reduce operational costs, and facilitate network maintenance. A partnership announced between Moov Africa and Airtel during the meeting marks a first step in this strengthened cooperation and paves the way for accelerating the project’s implementation.
Ultimately, improved connectivity could foster the growth of digital commerce, support the digital transformation of administrations and businesses, and contribute to the digital inclusion of a population still partially excluded from broadband services.
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