Gabon

KEY DEVELOPMENTS FOR 2026

Data Privacy and Regulatory Enforcement

Data privacy compliance is becoming a major enforcement focus and subsequently the Commission Nationale pour la Protection des Données Personnelles (CNPDCP) has increased oversight, with fines for noncompliance ranging from 1–100 million CFA francs. Sectors handling sensitive data (e.g., banking, telecommunications, healthcare, oil and gas) are subject to stricter audits, with use of CCTV in the workplace requiring prior authorization.

The government is moving toward ratifying the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Data Protection, which will likely update national rules.
Companies should expect more frequent inspections and must ensure all data processing is properly declared or approved, while robust data-security controls and staff training are essential. Practical steps that employers should take in relation to this include:

• Auditing and updating data protection policies and procedures.
• Ensuring all data processing activities are declared or authorized.
• Training staff on privacy compliance and data security.
• Monitoring regulatory developments and prepare for stricter enforcement.

Decree no. 0150/PR/MTLCC

In March 2025, the Gabon government introduced strict quotas for expatriate workers by job category: a maximum of 15% in managerial roles, 10% in supervisory or technical positions and 5% among rank-and-file workers. This replaces the previous 2016 framework and is designed to accelerate the “Gabonisation” of employment.

Employers must adapt recruitment and succession planning to comply with these quotas. Work authorizations are now strictly based on proven labor market needs, and there are new administrative costs such as application fees for work permits. Enforcement of the quotas is expected to intensify in 2026, especially for companies reliant on expatriates. Companies will need to invest in local training and skills development to maintain compliance and operational continuity, starting with taking the following steps:

• Reviewing workforce composition and recruitment strategies to ensure compliance with quotas.
• Prioritizing the hiring and development of Gabonese nationals, especially in strategic sectors (oil, gas, mining).
• Investing in training, apprenticeships and knowledge transfer programs.
• Preparing for stronger enforcement and possible audits.

Oil & Gas Sector

In late 2025, Gabon introduced measures to end the use of rolling one-month contracts in the oil and gas sector, aiming to improve job security and dignity for workers. There is also a push to narrow wage gaps between Gabonese and expatriates in similar roles.

Joint inspection campaigns are underway by the Ministries of Petroleum and Labor, with increased scrutiny of HR practices, contract types, benefits and pay. Noncompliance with these new measures may result in penalties or operational restrictions. Therefore, companies must transition to more stable, lawful employment terms and review pay structures to ensure fairness and can do so by:

• Replacing short-term contracts with longer, stable employment agreements.
• Reviewing and adjusting pay structures to reduce wage gaps.
• Preparing for joint inspections and ensure all HR practices comply with new standards.