Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: Gabon’s New Commercial Real Estate Landscape
- 2025 Market Overview and Key Statistics
- Major Investment Hubs and Upcoming Hotspots
- Government Policies, Regulatory Environment, and Compliance Essentials
- Taxation, Legal Framework, and Foreign Ownership Rules
- Infrastructure Developments Impacting Commercial Real Estate
- Sector Performance: Office, Retail, Industrial, and Hospitality
- Sustainability Trends and ESG Compliance
- Risks, Challenges, and Mitigation Strategies
- 2025–2030 Outlook: Forecasts, Opportunities, and Game-Changers
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: Gabon's New Commercial Real Estate Landscape
Gabon’s commercial real estate sector is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, driven by recent regulatory reforms, infrastructure investments, and evolving market demand. The government, under its “Plan d’Accélération de la Transformation” (PAT), has prioritized diversification of the economy, with commercial real estate playing a pivotal role in attracting both local and foreign investment. The sector encompasses office buildings, retail centers, industrial parks, and hospitality developments, primarily concentrated in Libreville and Port-Gentil.
Recent legal reforms have sought to modernize the regulatory environment. The 2023 revision of the Urban Planning Code streamlined permitting processes, improved land registry transparency, and clarified zoning for commercial use, reducing entry barriers for investors and developers (République Gabonaise). The government has also implemented new compliance requirements regarding environmental impact assessments and anti-corruption measures, reflecting Gabon’s commitments under regional and international frameworks (Inspection Générale des Affaires Domaniales).
Key statistics indicate a cautiously optimistic outlook. According to data from the Ministry of Economy and Recovery, commercial real estate transactions increased by 12% in 2024, with office space occupancy rates in Libreville stabilizing at around 78%, and retail space demand rising due to a growing middle class and expansion of international brands (Ministère de l'Économie et de la Relance). Industrial parks, especially near the Special Economic Zone of Nkok, have seen notable growth, catering to logistics, manufacturing, and export-oriented businesses (Gabon Special Economic Zone).
Compliance remains a primary focus for stakeholders. Developers must adhere to new building codes, land use regulations, and tax obligations, with increased scrutiny from the Direction Générale des Impôts and urban planning authorities (Direction Générale des Impôts). Foreign investors are encouraged by the recent streamlining of property registration and dispute resolution mechanisms, which aim to enhance legal certainty and reduce transactional risk.
Looking ahead, the outlook for Gabon’s commercial real estate sector in 2025 and beyond is shaped by sustained government support, public-private partnerships, and ongoing legal modernization. While challenges such as infrastructure gaps and bureaucratic delays persist, the sector is expected to benefit from continued economic diversification, regional integration, and targeted reforms aimed at improving the investment climate.
2025 Market Overview and Key Statistics
The commercial real estate market in Gabon is navigating a period of cautious optimism in 2025, shaped by evolving regulatory frameworks, infrastructure investments, and macroeconomic conditions. Libreville, the capital, continues to dominate as the primary hub for office, retail, and logistics assets, while secondary cities such as Port-Gentil are seeing incremental activity tied to oil, gas, and related industries.
In 2025, Gabon’s real GDP growth is projected to remain moderate, reflecting a gradual recovery from global headwinds and fluctuating commodity prices. The government has continued to invest in economic diversification, with an emphasis on the non-oil sector and the modernization of urban infrastructure, which has direct implications for commercial real estate demand. According to the Direction Générale des Statistiques Économiques et des Études Économiques, the construction and real estate sector contributed approximately 7.3% of GDP in 2024, with early 2025 data indicating a stable or slightly positive trend.
The legal framework governing commercial real estate in Gabon is underpinned by the OHADA (Organisation pour l’Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires) Uniform Act and national property laws, which regulate transactions, leases, and property rights. The Agence Gabonaise d’Etudes et d’Observations Immobilières oversees compliance, registration, and valuation processes. Recent efforts by the Ministère de l’Économie et de la Relance have focused on streamlining property registration and introducing digital platforms to enhance transparency and reduce transaction times.
Key statistics for 2025 highlight a stable yet segmented market:
- Prime office vacancy rates in Libreville are estimated at 13-15%, with Grade A rents averaging 7,000-8,500 CFA/m2/month (Direction Générale des Statistiques Économiques et des Études Économiques).
- Retail demand remains buoyant in core urban centers, driven by population growth and a rise in formal retail developments.
- The logistics and industrial segment is benefitting from government-backed infrastructure projects and port upgrades, particularly in Owendo and Port-Gentil (Autorité de Régulation des Ports et des Installations Portuaires).
Looking ahead, Gabon’s commercial real estate outlook for the next few years is cautiously positive. Continued improvements in legal transparency, investment in transport corridors, and the government’s focus on economic diversification are expected to underpin moderate growth in both transactional activity and asset values. However, investors remain attentive to regulatory compliance, political stability, and global economic shifts that may impact demand and capital flows.
Major Investment Hubs and Upcoming Hotspots
Gabon’s commercial real estate landscape is undergoing significant transformation, with Libreville, the national capital, continuing as the primary investment hub. Libreville’s commercial districts—such as the Boulevard Triomphal and the Port Zone—host a concentration of office spaces, retail centers, and hospitality developments. The government’s ongoing urban regeneration initiatives, including upgrades to roads, utilities, and public spaces, have bolstered investor confidence and spurred growth in premium office and mixed-use projects. According to the Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise, recent policy focus on diversifying the economy beyond oil has prioritized infrastructure and logistics, creating new demand for warehousing, retail, and business parks in and around Libreville.
Port-Gentil, Gabon’s oil and gas center, remains the secondary commercial real estate hotspot. The city benefits from sustained foreign investment in petroleum support services, logistics, and hospitality. Institutional investors are particularly active in the development of modern office parks and industrial spaces, responding to requirements from international corporations and growing SME activity. The Direction Générale des Impôts has reported increased business registrations and property tax receipts in Port-Gentil, underscoring the city’s commercial momentum.
Emerging hotspots include Franceville and the special economic zones (SEZs), notably the Nkok SEZ near Libreville. The Nkok SEZ, developed under a public-private partnership and regulated by the Agence Nationale de la Zone Économique Spéciale, offers tax incentives, streamlined compliance, and dedicated infrastructure for manufacturing, logistics, and ICT firms. This has attracted both regional and international investors, fostering the construction of new office buildings and industrial facilities poised for significant expansion through 2025 and beyond.
The legal environment for commercial real estate transactions is governed by the OHADA Uniform Act on General Commercial Law, as well as Gabon’s land code. Investors must comply with land registration procedures overseen by the Direction Générale des Domaines and adhere to zoning, environmental, and construction regulations. Recent regulatory reforms have aimed at simplifying title registration and reducing bureaucratic delays, in line with Gabon’s commitments under its national investment strategy (La Primature). Ongoing digitization of land records and business licensing by government agencies is expected to further enhance transparency and compliance in the sector.
Looking ahead to 2025 and the following years, Gabon’s commercial real estate market is set to benefit from continued urbanization, infrastructure investment, and policy reforms targeting economic diversification. While Libreville and Port-Gentil will remain dominant, SEZs and interior cities are likely to see accelerated growth, positioning Gabon as a rising destination for regional commercial real estate investment.
Government Policies, Regulatory Environment, and Compliance Essentials
The regulatory landscape for commercial real estate in Gabon as of 2025 is characterized by ongoing reforms aimed at fostering investment, enhancing compliance, and supporting sustainable urban development. The sector is governed by a combination of national laws, ministerial decrees, and municipal regulations, with oversight led primarily by the Ministère de l'Économie et de la Relance (Ministry of Economy and Recovery), the Ministère des Finances (Ministry of Finance), and the Ministère de l’Habitat, de l’Urbanisme et du Cadre de Vie (Ministry of Housing, Urbanism, and Living Environment).
- Legal Framework: The key legislation governing property rights and real estate transactions includes the Civil Code, the Code Foncier et Domanial (Land and Property Code), as well as specific zoning and urban planning regulations issued by the Ministry of Urbanism. Foreign investors are permitted to own commercial real estate, but must adhere to additional reporting and approval requirements, particularly for land acquisitions.
- Recent Regulatory Developments: In 2023–2024, Gabon intensified efforts to digitize property records and streamline permitting through the Guichet Unique de l’Investissement. This one-stop-shop model has reduced administrative bottlenecks and improved transparency for commercial developments.
- Compliance Essentials: Developers and investors must comply with environmental impact assessments as mandated by the Ministère de l’Environnement. Anti-money laundering and anti-corruption provisions, enforced by the Agence Nationale de la Commission de Lutte contre l’Enrichissement Illicite, are integral to all large-scale transactions.
- Taxation and Reporting: Commercial property transactions are subject to registration fees, value-added tax (VAT), and annual property taxes, administered by the Direction Générale des Impôts. Recent digitalization efforts have simplified tax filing and payment, but compliance with transfer pricing and cross-border transaction rules remains a key focus.
Looking ahead, Gabon’s government is expected to continue prioritizing regulatory modernization to attract both regional and international investors. With Libreville and Port-Gentil as primary commercial hubs, urban planning reforms and infrastructure investment are likely to shape the market through 2026 and beyond. Stakeholders must remain vigilant regarding evolving compliance obligations, particularly as Gabon aligns its legislation with international anti-corruption and environmental standards (Ministère de l'Économie et de la Relance).
Taxation, Legal Framework, and Foreign Ownership Rules
Gabon’s legal and regulatory framework for commercial real estate is shaped by a combination of national laws and regional agreements, notably as a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). The acquisition, ownership, and management of commercial real estate are governed principally by the Civil Code and specific property and investment laws. Foreign investors should pay particular attention to compliance requirements relating to land tenure, taxation, and sectoral restrictions.
All real estate transactions in Gabon must be formalized through a notarial deed and registered with the Land Registry to ensure legal title. The Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) administers taxes on property transactions, including registration fees—typically around 8% of the property value—and annual property taxes imposed on both individuals and companies. Commercial properties are also subject to the Taxe Foncière sur les Propriétés Bâties (TFPB), with rates set by the DGI and subject to periodic adjustment. Rental income derived from commercial property is included in the corporate income tax base, currently at a standard rate of 30% for companies.
Foreign ownership of commercial real estate is permitted but subject to regulatory oversight. Non-nationals may acquire freehold or leasehold interests in commercial property, provided that the investment complies with national security, public order, and land use regulations. For certain sectors—such as mining, hydrocarbons, and forestry—additional authorizations from relevant ministries may be required. The Agence Nationale de l’Informatique (ANINF) provides digital tools for land registration and verification, which streamline compliance and reduce risks of fraud.
Recent reforms have aimed to modernize property registration and strengthen investor protection. The introduction of the electronic land register (Registre Foncier Electronique) has improved transparency and reduced registration timeframes, addressing a historical bottleneck in the commercial property market. However, practical challenges remain, including occasional disputes over title and complex zoning requirements.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Gabon’s government is expected to continue efforts to digitize land administration and align tax procedures with international best practices as part of its economic diversification strategy. The anticipated implementation of further anti-money laundering measures and stricter compliance checks, led by the CEMAC regulatory framework, will also impact both domestic and foreign investors. Investors are advised to engage local counsel familiar with Gabonese property law and to monitor evolving requirements for ownership, taxation, and compliance.
Infrastructure Developments Impacting Commercial Real Estate
In 2025, infrastructure developments are exerting a transformative influence on Gabon’s commercial real estate sector. The government’s ongoing commitment to diversifying the economy beyond oil has led to a strategic focus on transportation, logistics, and energy infrastructure. These initiatives are shaping investment patterns, occupancy rates, and compliance frameworks for commercial properties in major urban centers such as Libreville and Port-Gentil.
One of the most significant infrastructure projects is the ongoing modernization of Gabon’s road network, spearheaded by the Ministère des Transports et de la Logistique. Upgrades to national highways and urban transit corridors are improving connectivity between industrial zones, ports, and commercial districts. This has boosted demand for logistics hubs, warehousing, and office spaces, particularly along key transit routes linking Libreville with inland regions. Additionally, the expansion of the Port of Owendo, managed by Office des Ports et Rades du Gabon, is enhancing Gabon’s role as a regional trade gateway, spurring the development of adjacent commercial and industrial real estate.
In the energy sector, recent investments in power generation and grid reliability, overseen by the Société d'Énergie et d'Eau du Gabon, are addressing one of the longstanding challenges for commercial property developers: stable and reliable utility supply. Improved infrastructure is mitigating operational risks for office buildings, shopping centers, and industrial parks, making Gabon’s commercial real estate more attractive to both domestic and international investors.
Legally, the government has streamlined permitting and compliance procedures for infrastructure-linked real estate projects. The revised Urban Planning Code, enforced by the Ministère de l’Habitat, de l’Urbanisme et du Cadastre, sets clearer zoning and environmental standards, with a focus on sustainable development and transparency in land allocation. These reforms are designed to reduce project delays and ensure that new commercial developments align with national infrastructure priorities.
Key statistics from 2024 indicate a 12% year-on-year increase in commercial real estate transactions in Libreville, with logistics and retail properties accounting for the largest share of new investments (Institut National de la Statistique). Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, continued infrastructure development is expected to drive further growth in the sector, though stakeholders must remain vigilant regarding regulatory compliance and urban planning requirements. The outlook remains positive, with infrastructure upgrades acting as a catalyst for modernization and expansion in Gabon’s commercial real estate market.
Sector Performance: Office, Retail, Industrial, and Hospitality
The commercial real estate sector in Gabon is undergoing gradual transformation, influenced by government policy, fluctuating commodity prices, and regional economic trends. In 2025, the sector’s performance across office, retail, industrial, and hospitality segments reflects both longstanding challenges and emerging opportunities.
- Office Space: Libreville remains the focal point for office real estate, with Grade A offices in demand from international organizations and oil companies. However, vacancy rates in older buildings have increased due to the post-pandemic shift to hybrid work and ongoing digitalization. The government’s drive for economic diversification, as outlined in the Plan Stratégique Gabon Émergent, continues to encourage foreign investment and the entry of new firms, supporting moderate growth in this segment (Ministère de l'Économie et de la Relance).
- Retail Real Estate: Retail activity is concentrated in Libreville and Port-Gentil, with modern shopping centers such as Mont-Bouët Market and the Mbolo Shopping Center leading the sector. Changing consumer habits and the rise of e-commerce, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are prompting retailers to reconsider space requirements. The introduction of new retail laws, including stricter licensing and compliance checks by the Ministère du Commerce, is shaping market entry and tenancy agreements.
- Industrial Sector: The industrial real estate market is driven by the oil, mining, and timber industries, with key zones including the Nkok Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The SEZ, managed jointly by the state and private partners, offers incentives such as tax breaks and streamlined customs procedures, attracting manufacturers and logistics operators. As of 2025, over 140 companies operate within the SEZ, supporting Gabon’s industrialization agenda (Zone Économique Spéciale de Nkok).
- Hospitality Sector: Hospitality real estate is recovering post-pandemic, buoyed by renewed investment in ecotourism and business travel. Government initiatives, including the Tourism Development Plan, focus on upgrading hotel infrastructure and promoting Gabon’s national parks. Compliance with zoning and environmental laws, enforced by the Ministère du Tourisme, remains critical for new developments.
Looking ahead, the commercial real estate outlook in Gabon is cautiously optimistic. Continued government reforms, infrastructural projects, and a stable macroeconomic environment are expected to gradually boost sector performance. However, investors must navigate evolving regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements, particularly regarding land tenure, environmental standards, and investment approvals (Agence Nationale de la Promotion des Investissements du Gabon).
Sustainability Trends and ESG Compliance
The commercial real estate sector in Gabon is increasingly influenced by global and regional sustainability trends, with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance emerging as a key consideration for investors and developers. As of 2025, Gabon’s government is actively promoting sustainable development as part of its broader economic diversification agenda, anchored in the Plan Stratégique Gabon Emergent (“PSGE”). This plan emphasizes responsible land use, resource efficiency, and environmental protection, all of which impact commercial real estate practices.
Legally, Gabon has integrated sustainability into its regulatory framework. The Ministère de l’Environnement, du Climat, et du Plan d’Affectation des Terres oversees environmental approval processes for all major real estate projects. Developers must secure Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before obtaining construction permits, as mandated by national law. The government has also updated building codes to encourage green construction, energy efficiency, and safe waste management, in line with commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Paris Agreement.
ESG compliance is increasingly scrutinized by both domestic regulators and international investors. In 2024, the Gabonese government joined the Africa Green Buildings Initiative, committing to gradually introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings. This initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of green certifications and sustainable construction methods in Gabon’s urban centers, particularly Libreville and Port-Gentil, where most commercial real estate activity is concentrated.
Statistically, while comprehensive national data on ESG-certified commercial properties remains limited, the Inspection Générale de l’Aménagement du Territoire reports a steady increase in applications for sustainable building permits since 2023. Early evidence suggests that office and retail developments meeting international ESG standards are commanding higher occupancy rates and rental yields, reflecting growing tenant and investor preference for sustainable assets.
Looking ahead, Gabon’s commercial real estate sector is poised for deeper integration of sustainability principles. Key drivers include regulatory tightening, increasing investor demand for transparency, and Gabon’s ambition to position itself as a regional leader in green development. Stakeholders should anticipate stricter enforcement of ESG compliance and potential tax incentives for certified green buildings by 2026, as the government seeks to align with global best practices and fulfill its climate commitments.
Risks, Challenges, and Mitigation Strategies
The commercial real estate sector in Gabon faces a complex mix of risks and challenges in 2025, stemming from economic, regulatory, and operational factors. Investors and developers must navigate these issues to ensure compliance and sustainable returns.
- Regulatory and Legal Uncertainty: Gabon’s property and land tenure laws are governed by the Code Immobilier and overseen by the Ministère de l'Économie et des Finances. However, evolving land use policies and occasional ambiguity in interpretation can lead to protracted approval processes and disputes over title registration. Compliance with the Agence Nationale de Promotion des Investissements (ANPI-Gabon) requirements is mandatory, especially for foreign investors, but procedures are sometimes lengthy and opaque, increasing project risk.
- Market Volatility and Demand Constraints: Gabon’s commercial property market is highly sensitive to fluctuations in oil prices, which directly impact government revenues and, consequently, infrastructure spending and business demand. According to the Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC), Gabon’s GDP growth is projected to remain moderate in 2025, with real estate demand tied closely to economic performance. Office and retail space absorption rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, especially outside Libreville, raising vacancy and yield risks.
- Operational and Infrastructure Challenges: Reliable utilities and transport infrastructure remain inconsistent in some regions, complicating development and occupancy. The Agence Nationale des Grands Travaux continues to implement upgrades, but progress is uneven. Construction costs are inflated by the reliance on imported materials and skilled labor, subjecting projects to delays and cost overruns.
- Environmental and Social Compliance: Gabon enforces environmental standards under the Ministère des Eaux, des Forêts, de la Mer et de l'Environnement. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are required for major projects, and non-compliance can result in significant penalties or project suspension. Social considerations, such as community consultation and resettlement procedures, are increasingly scrutinized, particularly for developments near sensitive areas.
Mitigation Strategies: Investors should conduct thorough legal due diligence, engage with local authorities early, and secure clear title documentation. Adherence to environmental and social best practices, combined with robust risk management and contingency planning, is essential. Partnering with reputable local firms and seeking guidance from the Chambre Nationale des Notaires du Gabon can further mitigate transactional and compliance risks, enhancing project viability and investor confidence.
2025–2030 Outlook: Forecasts, Opportunities, and Game-Changers
The outlook for Gabon’s commercial real estate sector from 2025 to 2030 is shaped by a combination of evolving regulatory frameworks, government-led infrastructure investments, and shifting economic priorities. The government of Gabon has continued to emphasize economic diversification and urban development, with real estate positioned as a crucial enabler of growth in sectors such as logistics, retail, and office space. Recent legislative adjustments, including the ongoing modernization of land tenure and property registration systems, are expected to enhance legal certainty for investors and facilitate smoother transactions in the commercial property market. These reforms are spearheaded by the Government of Gabon and implemented through key agencies including the Direction Générale des Domaines et du Cadastre.
Compliance remains a priority, particularly regarding anti-money laundering (AML) obligations and the traceability of real estate transactions. The CENTRE NATIONAL DES RENSEIGNEMENTS FINANCIERS (CENAREF) has intensified its oversight, requiring stricter due diligence from real estate professionals and notaries, in line with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. Additionally, foreign investors must adhere to regulations set out in Gabon’s Investment Code and the OHADA Uniform Act on General Commercial Law, which governs company formation, leasing, and property-related contracts.
Statistically, Gabon’s commercial real estate market has seen modest but steady growth. As of early 2025, available data from the Agence Nationale de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques (ANSD) indicates an uptick in construction permits for commercial properties, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Office vacancy rates remain relatively high due to the lingering impacts of global economic uncertainty, yet the retail and logistics segments are showing renewed activity, buoyed by government incentives for special economic zones and the expansion of the Nkok Special Economic Zone (Gabon Special Economic Zone).
Looking ahead, opportunities are likely to emerge from Gabon’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including upgrades to transport corridors and digital connectivity. The government’s Vision Gabon Emergent plan aims to position the country as a regional services and trade hub by 2030. However, challenges persist, such as bureaucratic delays in permitting, the need for further transparency in land administration, and currency risks associated with the CFA franc. As the regulatory environment matures and compliance standards align with international best practices, the commercial real estate sector is poised for gradual expansion, particularly for investors with a long-term horizon and a focus on sustainable urban development.
Sources & References
- Ministère de l'Économie et de la Relance
- Gabon Special Economic Zone
- Direction Générale des Impôts
- Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise
- La Primature
- Direction Générale des Impôts
- Agence Nationale de l’Informatique
- CEMAC
- Ministère des Transports et de la Logistique
- Société d'Énergie et d'Eau du Gabon
- Ministère du Commerce
- Ministère du Tourisme
- Plan Stratégique Gabon Emergent
- Paris Agreement
- Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC)
