Doing business in Gabon involves several key steps, from choosing a legal structure to navigating the registration and legal environment.
Here is a general guide on how to approach doing business in Gabon:
1. Understand the Legal Framework and Entities
Gabon’s business law is influenced by French law and the Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).
- Common Business Structures:
- Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL): Equivalent to a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This is a popular choice for small to medium-sized enterprises. It typically requires a minimum share capital of XAF 1 million (though some sources mention a lower operational minimum).
- Société Anonyme (SA): Similar to a Public Limited Company (PLC) or Corporation. Suitable for larger ventures, it generally requires a higher minimum share capital, often around XAF 10 million.
- Branch Office (Succursale): An extension of a foreign company, usually allowed for a limited duration.
2. The Business Registration Process
The main authority for business registration is the National Investment Promotion Agency (ANPI-Gabon), which operates a one-stop shop (Centre de Développement des Entreprises – CDE) to streamline the process.
Key Steps for Company Formation (e.g., SARL/SA):
- Choose and Reserve a Company Name: Check for uniqueness and compliance with Gabonese naming regulations.
- Draft and Notarize Company Documents: Prepare the Articles of Association (company statutes), which must be notarized by a Gabonese notary public.
- Deposit Share Capital: Open a corporate bank account and deposit the minimum required share capital. Proof of deposit is mandatory.
- Register with ANPI-Gabon (One-Stop Shop): Submit the application, notarized documents, proof of capital deposit, and identification for directors/shareholders. ANPI-Gabon handles registration with the Trade and Companies Register (RCCM) and the Tax Authority.
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF): This is essential for all tax purposes.
- Register for Social Security: Enroll the business with the National Social Security Fund (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale – CNSS) if you plan to employ staff.
- Obtain Licenses and Permits: Secure a general business license and any necessary industry-specific permits (e.g., for manufacturing, mining, or professional services) from the relevant ministries.
Note for Foreign Investors: Foreign nationals are eligible to own and direct Gabonese companies. For expatriate staff, you will need to apply for the necessary work permits and residence visas.
3. Key Investment Sectors and Opportunities
Gabon is resource-rich, and the government is actively pursuing economic diversification away from its traditional reliance on oil. Key sectors include:
- Oil and Gas: Still a primary driver, with opportunities in services, exploration, and refining.
- Mining: Rich deposits of manganese (one of the world’s largest producers), iron ore, gold, and rare earth elements.
- Forestry and Wood Processing: Gabon has vast forest cover. The government has banned the export of raw timber, emphasizing the development of processed timber (plywood, furniture) and other value-added products.
- Agriculture and Agribusiness: Significant unexploited fertile land creates opportunities for commercial farming, agro-processing (e.g., palm oil, rubber, cassava), and food supply chains, as Gabon currently imports much of its food.
- Infrastructure: Projects related to roads, railways, ports, energy, and construction.
- Tourism: Opportunities in ecotourism due to the country’s extensive national parks and biodiversity.
4. Incentives and Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
- Special Economic Zones (SEZs): The Nkok SEZ near Libreville, for example, offers significant incentives, including:
- Up to 10 years of corporate income tax exemption, followed by a reduced preferential rate.
- Duty-free import of machinery, equipment, and raw materials.
- 100% foreign ownership is permitted.
Important Considerations
- Local Partnering: While not always mandatory, finding reliable local partners or agents is often crucial for navigating local regulations, logistics, and distribution.
- Language: French is the official business language. All legal documents and official communication will be in French.
- Taxation: Key taxes include Corporate Income Tax (CIT) (around 30-35% depending on the sector) and Value Added Tax (VAT) (common law rate is 18%).
- Local Expertise: It is highly recommended to engage a local notary, lawyer, or business consultant specializing in Gabonese and OHADA law to ensure full compliance with all legal and administrative requirements.