On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Gabon’s President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, hosted a crucial meeting with the newly appointed Director General of Taxes, Edith Laure Mbiguidi Oyaya. She was joined by her recently promoted administrative team, alongside Thierry Minko, the Minister of Economy, Finance, Debt, and Participations, who also oversees efforts to combat the high cost of living.
This initial engagement provided an opportunity for the new Director General to convey her appreciation to the Head of State for her appointment. More significantly, Edith Laure Mbiguidi Oyaya utilized this platform to present the overarching directives of her strategic agenda.
Her comprehensive strategy is built upon a clear three-pronged approach: modernizing existing structures, expanding the national tax base, and significantly enhancing tax collection efficiency. The tax administration further intends to fortify its mechanisms for taxpayer control and oversight, upholding core values of rigorousness, integrity, and unwavering professionalism.
Digitalization: the ultimate weapon against fiscal evasion
Addressing these formidable aspirations, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema reiterated the indispensable role of the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) in driving Gabon’s economic transformation. For the Head of State, the effective mobilization of domestic revenues is the essential fuel required to finance vital infrastructure projects and elevate the quality of public services across the nation.
To realize these critical objectives, the President underscored the urgent necessity of implementing a fully integrated digital system. This significant digital shift is paramount for simplifying procedures for users, bolstering the traceability of financial transactions, and decisively eradicating tax fraud.
A resolute call for exemplary conduct and measurable outcomes
Concluding the session, Gabon’s leader urged the new cohort of directors to abandon outdated practices, instead cultivating a spirit of collaboration, strict discipline, and complete transparency. By placing a culture of performance at the heart of its operations, the government now expects the DGI to emerge as the primary catalyst for the country’s public finance recovery.
