Gabon’s Libreville-kango axis to become a toll road

Gabon’s 2026 budgetary framework officially paves the way for the implementation of a toll system on the Libreville-Kango stretch of the Transgabonaise highway. This strategic section, spanning from PK12 to PK95 on the outskirts of the Gabonese capital, will operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement established with the Société Autoroutière du Gabon (SAG). A newly amended Article 35 empowers SAG to directly collect usage fees from road users, commencing January 1, 2028, provided the designated concession section is fully completed.

These user fees are designated as compensation for the operation, ongoing maintenance, upkeep, and ensuring the availability of the concessioned infrastructure. The legislative text explicitly clarifies that these charges do not constitute state budgetary revenue, unless specific provisions for remittance to the state are outlined. Furthermore, they remain distinct from any taxes, levies, contributions, or fiscal/parafiscal deductions instituted for the benefit of the State, the National Autonomous Road Maintenance Fund (FANER), or any other public entity.

The precise locations of toll and weigh stations will be jointly determined by the Gabonese State and SAG. Tariffs will be established through regulatory means, varying based on vehicle category, road section, distance traveled, or tonnage, in full compliance with the partnership agreement’s stipulations. These approved tariffs must be published in the Official Journal and communicated to users before they come into effect. Exemptions from payment are granted to emergency and security vehicles engaged in official missions, as well as vehicles assigned to duly authorized public interest humanitarian operations.

Moreover, the financial structure incorporates the establishment of a counter-guarantee, potentially reaching 26 billion FCFA. This measure aims to secure the issuance of a bank guarantee for SAG, backed by the balance held in an escrow account managed by the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations. Imports, local acquisitions, construction works, supplies, equipment, materials, services, and provisions directly essential for the execution of the partnership contract also benefit from exemptions or relief from VAT and customs duties. The specific list of these exempted items is predetermined by the Minister of Economy and Finance.

This comprehensive framework provides clear insight into the model adopted by Gabon: direct collection of user fees by the concessionaire, stringent state oversight of its control, audit, and budgetary monitoring prerogatives, and secure financing through a dedicated escrow account. The text explicitly states that while direct collection is permitted, it does not diminish the State’s authority to set or approve tariffs, nor its right to maintain permanent control throughout the concession period.