After validation by the Council of Ministers on January 5, 2025, the carbon tax is taking shape in Gabon with a draft decree establishing a control and compensation mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions from air and maritime transport operators transiting through or operating in the Gabonese Republic.The implementation of the new measure announced for 2025 will indeed increase the country's budget revenue, but could also have socio-economic implications, as it will lead to higher operating costs for transporters, which in turn will result in increased transportation costs and ffee.This measure aims to accelerate Gabon's carbon footprint reduction plans and increase the state's budget revenue.The current draft decree on carbon contribution in the air and maritime transport sector aims to implement Gabon's international commitments to maintain carbon neutrality by 2030 and beyond.The country could collect up to over 90 billion CFA francs once the carbon tax is implemented.

The introduction of the carbon tax makes Gabon the second African country to adopt this Western concept, after South Africa, which has already collected over $900 million since its implementation in 2022.

Christelle koambi