Mirian Gom 
Gabon – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it will continue technical discussions with Gabon on fiscal and public debt developments as the oil-producing country seeks a new financing programme.
The discussions are expected to focus on Gabon’s fiscal position, debt outlook and structural reforms aimed at strengthening public financial management.
The IMF disclosed this on Saturday following its latest engagement with Gabonese authorities. “Technical discussions on fiscal and public debt developments, along with the outlook, will continue in the coming weeks, with a view to paving the way for programme discussions,” the Fund said in a statement.
The IMF said the discussions also covered the government’s structural reform agenda, particularly measures to improve the management of public finances.
Gabon has stepped up engagement with the IMF and the World Bank as it seeks to tighten public spending and secure additional funding for infrastructure and other development needs.
Earlier this month, the Gabonese government said a debt audit had found that the country’s overall debt burden was lower than previously estimated.
The government has linked the revised debt assessment to efforts to improve its prospects of securing additional financing.
Gabon’s draft 2027 budget projects that the government will raise 1.144 trillion CFA francs, equivalent to about $2 billion, from international markets next year.
The budget also projects a significant increase in debt servicing and repayment obligations.
The continued IMF discussions are expected to determine whether Gabon can progress towards formal negotiations for a new programme.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
