Gabon has advanced its digital sovereignty agenda with the presentation of two ordinances before the Senate aimed at modernising digital payments and strengthening electronic archiving systems.
The measures were presented by Mark-Alexandre Doumba, Gabon's minister of digital economy, digitalisation and innovation, during Senate hearings, where he outlined the legal framework underpinning Ordinance No. 0002/PR/2026 on digital payments and Ordinance No. 0003/PR/2026 on electronic archiving.
The digital payments ordinance establishes a legal framework to gradually shift government revenues and expenditure towards traceable electronic payment channels, with the aim of improving transparency, reducing reliance on cash and expanding financial inclusion across the informal sector, which accounts for a significant share of economic activity in Gabon.
Speaking before senators, Doumba said the reforms extend beyond formal institutions and are intended to benefit citizens, small traders and retirees through simpler digital payment systems integrated into everyday economic activity.
He added that the measures form part of the infrastructure needed to support a broader transition towards a digital economy built on transparency, accountability and inclusion.
Separately, the Senate Committee on Cultural, Social and Communication Affairs reviewed the electronic archiving ordinance, focusing on cyber security standards, implementation costs and adoption timelines across the public sector.
The legislation sets out rules for the preservation of digital records, including requirements for authenticity, legal validity and secure storage, as more government services move online.
Officials said the two ordinances create a complementary framework designed to strengthen governance, improve administrative efficiency and support secure digital transactions and data management.
The reforms align with broader continental efforts to expand digital inclusion, modernise public services and strengthen state oversight of critical digital infrastructure and data systems.
According to the government, the reforms will help position Gabon as a regional hub in digital governance, attract technology investment, strengthen public trust in online services and support long-term economic diversification through innovation and secure digital infrastructure.
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