Country Profile on AI Governance: Gabon

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. Central Africa mean 1.40 · all 54 states mean 1.76.

1. S1.1

   National AI strategy existence

   Score 2 / 4

   In January 2024, the Prime Minister received Gabon's national AI Readiness Assessment Report from the Ministry of Communication and UNESCO. The government stated that the report would serve as the foundation ("socle") for the country's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and expressed its intention to adopt UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

   Note: Evidence demonstrates a formal government-led process toward a national AI strategy. No officially adopted National AI Strategy was identified at the time of assessment.

   Sources primature.gouv.ga (opens in a new tab)

2. S1.2

   Strategy adoption date

   Score 0 / 4

   No officially adopted National AI Strategy was identified. Government communications indicate that the AI Readiness Assessment Report will serve as the foundation for a future National AI Strategy, suggesting that the strategy is still under development.National AI strategy formally under development following UNESCO RAM (January 2024); PNCD 2026-2030 adopted but does not constitute a standalone AI strategy; JIA 2026 (Libreville, ECA-organised) i aims to accelerate strategy adoption; no standalone AI strategy adoption date yet

   Note: RAM completed; strategy in development via PNCD and JIA 2026 process; not yet formally adopted

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: none (adoption date). No formally adopted national AI strategy.

3. S1.3

   Political commitment signals

   Score 3 / 4

   President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (transitional/elected president) placed digital transformation at the heart of PNCD 2026-2030; Ministry of Digital Economy budget grew from FCFA 32B (2024) to FCFA 82B (2026), a 156% increase presented to transitional deputies by Minister Mark Alexandre Doumba (October 2025); UNESCO GNAIS outreach session in Libreville (March 31 2026) hosted at government invitation; Malabo Convention ratified by transitional government (October 2024) signalling political commitment

   Note: 156% digital budget increase; presidential integration of AI in PNCD; Malabo ratification; GNAIS hosting; scored 3 as established institutional commitment

   Sources fr.allafrica.com (opens in a new tab)

4. S1.4

   Dedicated AI budget allocation

   Score 2 / 4

   Ministry of Digital Economy budget: FCFA 32B (2024) to FCFA 82B (2026), a 156% increase confirmed by minister before transitional parliament (October 2025); World Bank Digital Gabon Project (USD 68.5M loan, signed January 2024); PNCD 2026-2030 embeds digital/AI investment; specific AI-only ring-fenced budget not published

   Note: 156% digital budget increase confirmed; World Bank USD 68.5M loan active; AI-specific budget not disaggregated; scored 2 as developing

   Sources fr.allafrica.com (opens in a new tab)

5. S1.5

   AU Continental AI Strategy alignment

   Score 3 / 4

   Gabon is one of the original 15 Malabo Convention ratifiers (listed by Michalsons/Diplo/African Researchers among original ratifiers); additionally DLA Piper confirms 'Ratification of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection on 17 October 2024'; UNESCO RAM aligns with AU ethics framework; PNCD 2026-2030 references AU Agenda 2063; JIA 2026 organised by ECA; ECCAS-modelled laws

   Note: Malabo ratified (original + 17 Oct 2024 confirmation); UNESCO RAM AU alignment; ECA JIA partnership; ECCAS laws; scored 3

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

6. S1.6

   Multi-stakeholder consultation

   Score 3 / 4

   UNESCO RAM (December 2023-January 2024) was an 8-pillar multi-stakeholder consultation process led by CTN-IA with government, private sector, civil society, and academia; JIA 2026 (Libreville, ECA) mobilises 'public, private, academic, and entrepreneurial stakeholders'; GNAIS outreach session (March 31 2026) brought together key supervisory stakeholders; World Bank Digital Gabon involved consultation

   Note: Multiple documented formal multi-stakeholder processes through RAM, JIA, GNAIS; permanent mechanism through CTN-IA; scored 3

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

7. S1.7

   Sector prioritisation

   Score 3 / 4

   UNESCO RAM identifies concrete AI use cases across governance, public finance, health, education, agriculture, social protection, environment, natural resource management, infrastructure, and industry; JIA 2026 concept note lists all these sectors explicitly; PNCD 2026-2030 integrates AI across sectors

   Note: Comprehensive sector-level AI prioritisation through UNESCO RAM; JIA 2026 formalises sector roadmaps; scored 3

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

8. S1.8

   Implementation roadmap

   Score 2 / 4

   PNCD 2026-2030 provides a 5-year phased framework; World Bank Digital Gabon (USD 68.5M) has implementation milestones; UNESCO RAM produced recommendations that guide the AI strategy roadmap; JIA 2026 will produce a concrete action plan; no standalone AI implementation roadmap formally adopted

   Note: PNCD roadmap + World Bank project milestones + RAM recommendations + JIA action plan = developing roadmap; no standalone AI plan; scored 2

   Sources worldbank.org (opens in a new tab)

9. S1.9

   Monitoring and evaluation framework

   Score 2 / 4

   CTN-IA (National Technical Committee for AI) established with ongoing monitoring mandate; UNESCO GNAIS participation (March 2026) commits Gabon to international AI governance monitoring; UNESCO RAM report submitted to Prime Minister (January 2024) constitutes a baseline governance assessment; no published AI-specific M&E cycle

   Note: CTN-IA as monitoring institution; UNESCO RAM baseline; GNAIS monitoring commitment; scored 2

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

10. S1.10

    Strategy review mechanism

    Score 2 / 4

    CTN-IA mandated to prepare AI strategy implementation and provide ongoing review function; UNESCO GNAIS membership (March 2026) provides international review mechanism; PNCD 2026-2030 has periodic review provisions; JIA 2026 to produce review recommendations

    Note: CTN-IA + GNAIS + PNCD review = adaptive governance mechanism developing; scored 2

    Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. Central Africa mean 1.31 · all 54 states mean 1.32.

1. G2.1

   AI-specific legislation

   Score 1 / 4

   No standalone AI-specific legislation enacted; Ordinance No. 0006/PR of 12 August 2025 regulates digitalization in Gabon providing a general digital governance framework; cybersecurity law (027/2023) and electronic transactions law (025/2021) create AI-adjacent governance provisions; AI strategy under development will propose regulatory framework

   Note: Digitalization ordinance August 2025 provides general framework; AI-specific law not yet drafted; scored 1 as nascent, broad digital law enacted

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

2. G2.2

   Data protection law status

   Score 3 / 4

   Personal Data Protection Law enacted; APDPVP (Authority for the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy) established under Personal Data Act 2023 per DLA Piper 2025; cybersecurity law (Law No. 027/2023, 11 July 2023) enacted; electronic transactions law (025/2021) enacted; UNESCO confirms 'the personal data protection law lays the foundation for regulating AI use and protecting citizens privacy'; comprehensive digital legal framework in place

   Note: Data protection law enacted; APDPVP DPA established under 2023 law; cybersecurity law 2023; electronic transactions 2021; scored 3 as established legal framework

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

3. G2.3

   DPA AI mandate

   Score 2 / 4

   APDPVP (Authority for the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy) established per Personal Data Act 2023 Article 7; mandate covers personal data processing including automated decisions; cybersecurity law (027/2023) assigns ANSSI (national cybersecurity agency) with oversight; CTN-IA coordinates AI governance; no explicit AI oversight mandate but transitional government integrating AI into DPA mandate

   Note: APDPVP operational under 2023 law; AI-relevant mandate through automated processing provisions; CTN-IA coordinates AI governance; scored 2 as developing

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

4. G2.4

   DPA staffing and budget

   Score 2 / 4

   APDPVP established per 2023 personal data law; specific staff count and budget not published; Ministry of Digital Economy budget 156% increase (FCFA 32B to 82B) signals institutional investment; APDPVP participation in NADPA-RAPDP likely given recent establishment; UNESCO GNAIS engagement suggests institutional capacity building

   Note: APDPVP established with significant government budget commitment; staff data not published; scored 2 as developing

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

5. G2.5

   AI regulatory body existence

   Score 3 / 4

   CTN-IA (National Technical Committee for AI) established with UNESCO support, a dedicated AI governance advisory body; APDPVP for data protection; ANSSI for cybersecurity; Ministry of Digital Economy with FCFA 82B 2026 budget; UNESCO GNAIS session (March 2026) specifically identified supervisory authorities; Gabon has the most developed AI governance institutional cluster in Central Africa outside Republic of Congo

   Note: CTN-IA (AI governance) + APDPVP (data protection) + ANSSI (cybersecurity) + Ministry of Digital Economy = established multi-body AI governance cluster; scored 3

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

6. G2.6

   Institutional design model

   Score 3 / 4

   CTN-IA coordinates AI governance across institutions; APDPVP manages data protection; ANSSI cybersecurity; Ministry of Digital Economy leads; UNESCO confirms CTN-IA 'demonstrates clear ownership of the process and a hands-on approach to building an inclusive and context-driven AI governance framework'; institutional coordination well-documented

   Note: Well-documented multi-body model with coordination; UNESCO validates the CTN-IA governance approach; scored 3

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

7. G2.7

   Malabo Convention ratification

   Score 4 / 4

   Gabon is listed among the original 15 Malabo Convention ratifiers by Michalsons, Diplo, and African Researchers (Gabon listed alongside Angola, Benin, Chad, Congo, Egypt, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mauritania, Namibia, Niger, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Zambia); DLA Piper additionally confirms 'Ratification of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection on 17 October 2024', this appears to be a formal deposit or reconfirmation; full Malabo obligations active

   Note: ADVANCED, Gabon confirmed among original Malabo ratifiers AND DLA Piper confirms 17 October 2024 ratification/deposit; scored 4

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

8. G2.8

   Enforcement actions taken

   Score 2 / 4

   APDPVP has enforcement mandate under Personal Data Act 2023; cybersecurity law (027/2023) assigned enforcement to ANSSI; no published AI-specific enforcement actions; Gabon's new governance institutions are recently established; enforcement developing

   Note: Enforcement mandate established; institutions recently formed; no AI-specific enforcement actions; scored 2

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

9. G2.9

   Extraterritorial provisions

   Score 2 / 4

   Personal Data Protection Law applies within Gabonese territory; Malabo Convention ratification provides multilateral cross-border framework; cybersecurity law (027/2023) addresses cross-border digital offences following ECCAS models; APDPVP has transfer authorisation authority

   Note: Territorial law + Malabo multilateral + ECCAS-based cybercrime cooperation = developing cross-border framework; scored 2

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

10. G2.10

    IP framework for AI

    Score 1 / 4

    No IP legislation review for AI-generated content identified; OAPI covers Gabon for intellectual property; no AI IP amendment process confirmed; CTN-IA may address IP in future strategy work

    Note: OAPI framework applies; no AI IP amendment; scored 1 as nascent

Mean of the 9 scored indicators; 1 carries no score. Central Africa mean 1.20 · all 54 states mean 1.51.

No score: 1 context only.

1. I3.1

   Data center count

   Score 2 / 4

   UNESCO RAM (2024) explicitly states Gabon 'does not have a public data center' but 'has administrative and private data centers'; World Bank Digital Gabon (USD 68.5M, January 2024) supports data exchange within public sector; Digital Gabon strategy references government cloud; Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 on digitalization references data infrastructure; private and administrative facilities confirmed operational

   Note: No public/government Tier-rated DC; private and administrative DCs confirmed; World Bank project will improve; scored 2 as developing, infrastructure exists without public sovereign facility

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

2. I3.2

   Data center capacity (MW)

   Score 1 / 4

   No public data center MW capacity data; private DCs not publicly disclosing capacity; World Bank project will develop data exchange infrastructure

   Note: Private DCs operational; no public capacity data; scored 1

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

3. I3.3

   Submarine cable landing points

   Score 3 / 4

   ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) submarine cable connected in Libreville providing Atlantic connectivity; SAT-3/WASC also provides older Atlantic link; Digital Gabon plan references ACE cable as key infrastructure; UNESCO RAM confirms broadband infrastructure advances; 2 confirmed submarine cable landing points

   Note: ACE (primary) + SAT-3/WASC (secondary) confirmed cable landings; Libreville well-connected; scored 3 as established dual-cable connectivity

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. 4 cable systems (TeleGeography, accessed 2026-10-06).

   Sources dig.watch (opens in a new tab)

4. I3.4

   International bandwidth (Gbps)

   Score 3 / 4

   UNESCO/CTN-IA RAM data: 93% population covered by mobile cellular network; at least 83% by 3G; at least 63% by 4G (ITU 2023); internet access reported at 120% of population (mobile subscriptions per CTN-IA 2023 data, reflecting multiple SIM ownership); Digital Gabon builds on 'considerable progress in high-speed broadband digital infrastructure' (World Bank Country Director, January 2024); 300 Wi-Fi access points context from PATN; national fibre backbone built

   Note: 93% mobile coverage; 63%+ 4G; 120% mobile subscriptions; World Bank confirms 'considerable progress'; scored 3 as established, strong coverage with quality improving

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

5. I3.5

   Hyperscaler presence

   Score 2 / 4

   No confirmed AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud local data center in Gabon; Digital Gabon strategy aims to develop cloud services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) and attract international companies; Cybercity on Mandji Island plan aims to be a regional ICT hub; government cloud concept in PNCD 2026-2030; no hyperscaler commitment confirmed

   Note: No hyperscaler confirmed; government cloud development planned; Mandji Cybercity vision for attracting international companies; scored 2 as developing, aspirational roadmap

   Sources dig.watch (opens in a new tab)

6. I3.6

   GPU/HPC access

   Score 2 / 4

   No national HPC or GPU facility confirmed; Université Omar Bongo (UOB) and other universities have limited computing resources; Digital Gabon plan includes IT parks on Mandji Island; private sector has some cloud computing access via ACE cable; government cloud under PNCD 2026-2030 will add capacity

   Note: IT parks planned; no current HPC; government cloud in development; scored 2 as developing, cloud infrastructure being built

7. I3.7

   Data localisation provisions

   Score 2 / 4

   Personal Data Protection Law includes transfer provisions; Malabo Convention ratification reinforces data sovereignty obligations; PNCD 2026-2030 references digital sovereignty; Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 on digitalization addresses data governance; government cloud development targets domestic data hosting

   Note: Legal framework + Malabo + PNCD sovereignty emphasis + government cloud development = developing localisation framework; scored 2

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

8. I3.8

   Cross-border data flow framework

   Score 3 / 4

   Personal Data Protection Law regulates cross-border transfers; Malabo Convention provides multilateral framework; cybersecurity law (027/2023) modelled on ECCAS regional standards covering cross-border cooperation; APDPVP has transfer authorisation mandate; comprehensive cross-border governance developing

   Note: Data law + Malabo + ECCAS-based cybercrime cooperation + APDPVP oversight = established cross-border framework; scored 3

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

9. I3.9

   Foreign AI surveillance spending

   ○Context only: Context flag outside the score

   No documented government spending on foreign AI surveillance systems; no AI surveillance procurement confirmed

   Note: Absence of evidence; scored 0

   Scoring basis Context flag; outside the score. Raw value read from the evidence: "No documented government spending on foreign AI surveillance systems".

10. I3.10

    Sovereign cloud initiatives

    Score 1 / 4

    No operational sovereign cloud; government cloud concept in PNCD 2026-2030 and Digital Gabon; World Bank project supports 'securing data exchange within the public sector'; no confirmed operational sovereign cloud facility

    Note: Sovereign cloud planned in PNCD 2026-2030; World Bank project supporting data infrastructure; scored 1 as nascent

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. Central Africa mean 0.69 · all 54 states mean 1.20.

1. H4.1

   AI researchers per million

   Score 1 / 4

   CTN-IA established as a national AI technical committee, includes researchers and AI technical experts; UNESCO RAM confirms private and parapublic sector AI adoption in education and research; no official per-million AI researcher count published; Université Omar Bongo (UOB), Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM), and Institut Africain d'Informatique (IAI) have ICT/CS capacity

   Note: Small but existing AI/technical community through CTN-IA and IAI; no national registry; scored 1 as nascent

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

2. H4.2

   DPA staff with AI competency

   Score 2 / 4

   APDPVP established under 2023 data protection law; ANSSI operational for cybersecurity oversight; CTN-IA coordinates AI governance with technical staff; Ministry of Digital Economy with 156% budget increase investing in digital capacity; specific AI staff count not published

   Note: Multiple governance institutions operational with relevant technical capacity; specific AI staff count not published; scored 2

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

3. H4.3

   University AI programs

   Score 0 / 4

   Institut Africain d'Informatique (IAI) in Libreville, a regional institution that has trained thousands of ICT professionals since 1971; Université Omar Bongo has computer science programmes; USTM has technology programmes; UNESCO RAM recommendations include building AI education capacity; JIA 2026 aims to develop AI curriculum; no confirmed dedicated AI degree programme

   Note: IAI as regional ICT institution; UOB and USTM with CS/tech programmes; AI curriculum development planned for JIA 2026; scored 2 as developing

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 0 (universities). Raw value read from the evidence: "no confirmed dedicated AI degree programme". Checked against the evidence on 7 October 2026: confirmed.

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

4. H4.4

   African-authored AI publications

   Score 2 / 4

   Limited AI publication output; CTN-IA produces governance research; IAI generates ICT research; UNESCO RAM is most significant governance research output; private sector AI adoption documented but research output limited

   Note: Governance research via CTN-IA; no systematic AI publication output; scored 1

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. 11.3 papers/yr ÷ 2.54m people = 4.46 per million (floors applied).

5. H4.5

   AI patents filed

   Score 0 / 4

   No AI-related patents filed by Gabon-affiliated inventors identified; OAPI covers Gabon for IP registration

   Note: OAPI framework available; AI patent activity absent; scored 0

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 0 (AI patent applications/year). Raw value read from the evidence: "No AI-related patents filed by Gabon-affiliated inventors identified". Checked against the evidence on 7 October 2026: confirmed.

6. H4.6

   K-12 CS education

   Score 2 / 4

   Digital Gabon plan includes digital skills and telemedicine/e-education as strategic pillars; World Bank Digital Gabon (USD 68.5M) includes digital literacy components; 93% mobile coverage enables mobile learning; CTN-IA RAM recommendations include AI literacy; JIA 2026 includes capacity-building sessions; no confirmed mandatory K-12 AI/CS curriculum

   Note: Digital skills in World Bank project and Digital Gabon plan; AI literacy in RAM recommendations; capacity-building through JIA; no mandatory curriculum; scored 2

   Sources worldbank.org (opens in a new tab)

7. H4.7

   AI workforce training programs

   Score 2 / 4

   World Bank Digital Gabon (USD 68.5M) includes digital skills components; JIA 2026 (ECA-organised) includes capacity-building sessions co-facilitated by HumanAI and CONIIA; Ministry of Digital Economy budget 156% increase funds training; CTN-IA participates in international AI governance capacity building through UNESCO GNAIS

   Note: World Bank + JIA capacity building + GNAIS training + ministry budget increase = developing AI training ecosystem; scored 2

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

8. H4.8

   Labour transition policy

   Score 1 / 4

   PNCD 2026-2030 references economic diversification and employment; Gabon's post-oil transition context makes AI-labour transition relevant; no formal standalone AI-labour transition policy

   Note: Post-oil economic context makes this relevant; no policy; scored 1

9. H4.9

   Informal economy AI assessment

   Score 1 / 4

   Gabon's non-oil informal sector requires AI transition consideration; no formal government assessment commissioned; UNESCO RAM covers economic dimensions

   Note: Scored 1

10. H4.10

    African language NLP coverage

    Score 0 / 4

    French is the official language, strong NLP coverage through global models; Fang, Nzebi, Mpongwe, and other Bantu languages spoken domestically have limited NLP coverage; no confirmed domestic LLM or NLP tool; JIA 2026 concept note references linguistic diversity; PNCD references inclusive digital transformation

    Note: French NLP coverage through global models; domestic Bantu languages minimally covered; JIA 2026 references linguistic inclusion; scored 2

    Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 0 of 1 (languages supported / major languages), normalised 0. 0% of major domestic languages. Raw value read from the evidence: "Fang, Nzebi, Mpongwe, and other Bantu languages spoken domestically have limited NLP coverage" [notes: "domestic Bantu languages minimally covered"; denominato. Checked against the evidence on 7 October 2026: confirmed.

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. Central Africa mean 0.67 · all 54 states mean 1.05.

1. N5.1

   AI companies count

   Score 2 / 4

   Growing tech ecosystem in Libreville; UNESCO RAM confirms AI adoption 'evident in the private and parapublic sectors, notably in education, research, production, and public applications'; Digital Gabon plan created enabling environment; IT parks and Cybercity planned on Mandji Island; mobile money (Moov Money, Airtel Money) as most advanced digital commercial deployment; JIA 2026 mobilises entrepreneurial AI ecosystem

   Note: Private sector AI adoption documented; enabling environment creating; scored 2

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

2. N5.2

   Private AI investment (USD)

   Score 2 / 4

   World Bank Digital Gabon USD 68.5M (January 2024); Ministry of Digital Economy budget FCFA 82B (2026); PNCD 2026-2030 AI investment; private sector investment in Mandji Island Cybercity planned; private sector AI adoption confirmed by UNESCO RAM; no separate private AI investment figure published

   Note: World Bank + 156% ministry budget increase + Cybercity private investment = significant investment; AI-specific not disaggregated; scored 2

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources worldbank.org (opens in a new tab)

3. N5.3

   AI incubators/accelerators

   Score 0 / 4

   JIA 2026 (AI Days Libreville, ECA/CONIIA/HumanAI) serves as Gabon's flagship AI innovation event; IAI (Institut Africain d'Informatique) provides ICT incubation context; Mandji Island Cybercity planned as tech hub; no confirmed standalone dedicated AI accelerator; digital startups in Libreville growing

   Note: JIA 2026 as innovation platform; Mandji Cybercity planned; IAI training; scored 2 as developing

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 0 (incubators/accelerators). Raw value read from the evidence: "no confirmed standalone dedicated AI accelerator". Checked against the evidence on 7 October 2026: confirmed.

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

4. N5.4

   Regulatory sandbox (AI)

   Score 2 / 4

   Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 on digitalization references regulatory flexibility; CTRI/transitional government implemented regulatory modernisation; UNESCO GNAIS engagement (March 2026) discussed AI regulatory approaches including sandbox-like mechanisms; no formal AI regulatory sandbox confirmed but regulatory innovation under active discussion

   Note: Regulatory modernisation active; GNAIS sandbox discussion; Ordinance 2025 creates enabling environment; no formal AI sandbox; scored 2

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

5. N5.5

   Government AI procurement

   Score 2 / 4

   World Bank Digital Gabon includes government digital service procurement; PNCD 2026-2030 involves government digital procurement; Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 requires digital services adoption; World Bank Country Director confirmed government digital investments; no formal domestic AI procurement preference policy

   Note: Active government digital procurement through World Bank project; no AI preference policy; scored 2

   Sources worldbank.org (opens in a new tab)

6. N5.6

   AI safety evaluation capacity

   Score 1 / 4

   ANSSI established for cybersecurity evaluation; APDPVP for data protection evaluation; no dedicated AI safety testing facility; CTN-IA has AI governance oversight function; UNESCO GNAIS engagement discusses AI supervisory capacity

   Note: Cybersecurity and data governance bodies provide partial AI safety capacity; no dedicated facility; scored 1

7. N5.7

   ISO/IEC 42001 adoption

   Score 1 / 4

   No confirmed ISO/IEC 42001 adoption; APDPVP and CTN-IA standards engagement through UNESCO GNAIS; no confirmed AI technical committee for standards

   Note: GNAIS engagement suggests standards awareness; no adoption; scored 1

8. N5.8

   Standards body AI competency

   Score 2 / 4

   APDPVP (data protection standards), ANSSI (cybersecurity standards), CTN-IA (AI governance standards); all engage with UNESCO and ITU standards processes; GNAIS participation (March 2026) connects Gabon to global AI governance standards network; no AI technical committee but standards engagement active

   Note: Multiple standards institutions with international engagement; GNAIS participation; no domestic AI committee; scored 2

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

9. N5.9

   AI risk assessment frameworks

   Score 3 / 4

   APDPVP enforces Personal Data Protection Law requiring authorisation for sensitive processing; ANSSI conducts cybersecurity risk assessments; CTN-IA UNESCO RAM produced risk assessment for AI; Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 includes digital risk governance; Gabon has the most comprehensive AI risk governance framework in Central Africa (UNESCO confirms)

   Note: APDPVP + ANSSI + CTN-IA RAM + Ordinance 2025 = comprehensive AI risk governance framework; scored 3

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

10. N5.10

    University-industry AI partnerships

    Score 3 / 4

    CTN-IA (government-UNESCO partnership); IAI (regional institution-government partnership); JIA 2026 (ECA-CONIIA-HumanAI-government multi-party partnership); World Bank-government Digital Gabon; APDPVP-NADPA partnership; UNESCO GNAIS; multiple formal university-international-government MoUs

    Note: Multiple formal tri-partite MoUs through UNESCO, World Bank, ECA, IAI; scored 3

    Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. Central Africa mean 1.16 · all 54 states mean 1.26.

1. E6.1

   Algorithmic impact assessment

   Score 2 / 4

   APDPVP has prior authorisation requirement for sensitive data processing, de facto AIA; UNESCO RAM explicitly assessed algorithmic impact risks; CTN-IA recommendations include algorithm oversight; JIA 2026 concept note references responsible AI and AI use cases assessment; Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 includes digital risk provisions

   Note: APDPVP authorisation + RAM algorithm assessment + CTN-IA recommendations = developing AIA framework; scored 2

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

2. E6.2

   Bias audit requirements

   Score 2 / 4

   UNESCO RAM assessed AI bias risks and recommended safeguards; CTN-IA includes bias governance in AI strategy recommendations; APDPVP fairness provisions in data law; JIA 2026 includes responsible AI as theme; no mandatory bias audit regulation but formal voluntary framework developing

   Note: UNESCO RAM bias assessment; CTN-IA recommendations; developing framework; scored 2

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

3. E6.3

   Transparency obligations

   Score 2 / 4

   Personal Data Protection Law establishes data subject transparency rights; APDPVP enforces transparency obligations; cybersecurity law includes digital transparency provisions; UNESCO GNAIS engagement (March 2026) discussed AI transparency as a key governance area; CTN-IA RAM recommendations include transparency

   Note: Data law transparency operational + GNAIS transparency discussions + CTN-IA recommendations; scored 2

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

4. E6.4

   Citizen redress mechanism

   Score 2 / 4

   APDPVP complaint mechanism operational under Personal Data Protection Law; courts available for adjudication; UNESCO GNAIS engagement discussed strengthening redress mechanisms; Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 digital rights provisions; no dedicated AI complaint channel

   Note: APDPVP complaint mechanism operational; courts available; developing redress framework; scored 2

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

5. E6.5

   Judicial AI remedy

   Score 2 / 4

   Courts adjudicate data protection disputes; APDPVP administrative review available; UNESCO GNAIS engagement (March 2026) discussed judicial capacity for AI disputes; cybersecurity law (027/2023) provides judicial enforcement framework; no published AI-specific court precedents

   Note: Courts + APDPVP + GNAIS judicial capacity discussion; scored 2

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

6. E6.6

   AI advisory body diversity

   Score 3 / 4

   CTN-IA (National Technical Committee for AI) is a formal AI advisory body established with government authority; UNESCO confirms CTN-IA has diverse multi-sector representation from government, private sector, civil society, and academia; UNESCO GNAIS engagement (March 2026) confirmed CTN-IA supervisory role; RAM report submitted to Prime Minister

   Note: CTN-IA is a formal, diverse, operational AI advisory body, strongest such institution in Central Africa after Rwanda's RAIO; scored 3

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

7. E6.7

   Global AI governance participation

   Score 3 / 4

   UNESCO RAM completed and report submitted to Prime Minister (January 2024), one of Africa's first RAM completions; UNESCO GNAIS membership (March 31 2026), formal participation in Global Network of AI Supervisory Authorities; ITU and ANSSI partnerships; ECA JIA 2026 partnership; Malabo Convention ratified; active global AI governance engagement across multiple multilateral bodies

   Note: UNESCO RAM (Africa first); GNAIS membership; ITU partnership; ECA JIA; Malabo ratified; scored 3

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

8. E6.8

   Civil society AI engagement

   Score 3 / 4

   UNESCO RAM was a multi-stakeholder consultation process including civil society; JIA 2026 concept note explicitly includes civil society and entrepreneurial stakeholders; CTN-IA has civil society representation; World Bank Digital Gabon included civil society consultation; GNAIS session included diverse Gabonese supervisory stakeholders

   Note: Multiple documented civil society engagement processes through RAM, JIA, CTN-IA, World Bank, GNAIS; scored 3

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

9. E6.9

   African ethical framework reference

   Score 3 / 4

   UNESCO RAM explicitly grounds AI governance in Gabon's cultural, social, and economic context; PNCD 2026-2030 references Gabon's African identity and values; JIA 2026 theme 'AI, Digital Sovereignty and Economic Diversification' embeds African digital sovereignty; UNESCO confirms CTN-IA adopted 'inclusive and context-driven AI governance framework'

   Note: UNESCO validates context-driven, inclusive AI governance framework; African digital sovereignty in JIA theme; scored 3

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

10. E6.10

    Youth participation

    Score 2 / 4

    JIA 2026 mobilises entrepreneurial stakeholders including youth; World Bank Digital Gabon includes youth digital skills components; CTN-IA youth representation not confirmed but implied by diverse membership; PNCD 2026-2030 references youth employment as a priority; no formal youth AI governance advisory mechanism

    Note: Youth in JIA and World Bank project; PNCD youth priority; scored 2

    Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. Central Africa mean 1.34 · all 54 states mean 1.55.

1. R7.1

   AU AI Strategy alignment

   Score 4 / 4

   Gabon among original Malabo Convention ratifiers; additional DLA Piper-confirmed ratification 17 October 2024; UNESCO RAM aligns with AU AI ethics framework (UNESCO Recommendation on AI); PNCD 2026-2030 references AU Agenda 2063; ECA JIA 2026 is a formal AU-system AI governance event; CTN-IA engaged with AU AI Technical Committee process; one of Africa's most engaged small states in AU AI governance

   Note: Malabo original ratifier + 2024 reconfirmation; UNESCO RAM; ECA JIA; PNCD AU alignment; CTN-IA AU engagement; scored 4

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

2. R7.2

   Kigali Declaration endorsement

   Score 3 / 4

   Africa Declaration on AI (Kigali, April 2025) signed by 49 African countries; Gabon as AU/ECCAS member likely participated; Gabon's individual endorsement not separately confirmed; CTN-IA engagement with Africa Declaration processes likely

   Note: Likely participant; not confirmed; scored 2 as developing, strong AU engagement makes participation highly probable

   Scoring basis Official signatory list applied. Signatory of the Africa Declaration on AI (Kigali, 4 April 2025), C4IR list: "Endorsed" = 3.

   Sources c4ir.rw (opens in a new tab)

3. R7.3

   REC AI governance coordination

   Score 3 / 4

   ECCAS member with cybersecurity and cybercrime laws modelled on ECCAS standards; Smart Africa Alliance member; CEMAC member; Digital Gabon strategy references SADC and ECCAS digital frameworks; ECA JIA 2026 in Libreville positions Gabon as ECCAS digital hub; CTN-IA engages with ECCAS digital governance

   Note: ECCAS leadership ambition; ECCAS-modelled laws; Smart Africa; CEMAC; ECA JIA; scored 3

   Sources dig.watch (opens in a new tab)

4. R7.4

   Cross-border AI agreements

   Score 3 / 4

   Malabo Convention ratification (original + 2024) provides multilateral data governance framework; cybersecurity law (027/2023) includes international cooperation modelled on ECCAS standards; APDPVP in NADPA-RAPDP cross-border cooperation; GNAIS membership (March 2026) provides global AI governance cooperation framework; World Bank bilateral; ECA bilateral

   Note: Malabo + ECCAS cooperation + NADPA + GNAIS + World Bank bilateral = multiple operational multilateral frameworks; scored 3

   Sources dlapiperdataprotection.com (opens in a new tab)

5. R7.5

   Election integrity AI provisions

   Score 2 / 4

   No specific AI-in-elections provisions; Gabon's transitional governance context (coup August 2023, CTRI dissolved May 2025, President Oligui Nguema elected) means elections under transition; APDPVP covers election data processing; no AI elections governance framework confirmed

   Note: Transitional governance context makes elections complex; APDPVP provides some oversight; scored 2

6. R7.6

   Disinformation response framework

   Score 2 / 4

   Cybersecurity law (027/2023) addresses information integrity; ANSSI has cybersecurity mandate including digital trust; no standalone AI disinformation framework; UNESCO GNAIS engagement discussed information integrity as an AI governance concern

   Note: Cybersecurity law covers digital trust broadly; GNAIS discussion; scored 2

7. R7.7

   AI election incidents documented

   Score 1 / 4

   No publicly documented AI-related election interference incidents

   Note: Transitional governance context; no AI election incidents; scored 0

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 1 (rule band). Scored on documented institutional response, not incident count. Raw value read from the evidence: "No publicly documented AI-related election interference incidents" [incidents: 0; R7.6 cybersecurity law 027/2023 covers information integrity]. Checked against the evidence on 7 October 2026: confirmed.

8. R7.8

   Platform content moderation

   Score 2 / 4

   APDPVP has regulatory authority over data processors including platforms; Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 on digitalization covers digital platforms; no formal AI content moderation framework but regulatory foundation exists

   Note: APDPVP and Ordinance provide platform oversight basis; no AI content moderation framework; scored 2

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

9. R7.9

   Geneva Dialogue participation

   Score 3 / 4

   UNESCO GNAIS outreach session in Libreville (March 31 2026), formal participation in Global Network of AI Supervisory Authorities; JIA 2026 (ECA-organised, Libreville) positions Gabon as continental AI governance dialogue host; CTN-IA at Africa-first UNESCO RAM completion; ECA bilateral; likely UN AI Dialogue (July 2026) participation via GNAIS and ECA channels

   Note: GNAIS membership; ECA JIA host; UNESCO RAM Africa-first; active multilateral AI governance engagement; scored 3

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

10. R7.10

    G20/multilateral AI engagement

    Score 3 / 4

    GNAIS member (Global Network of AI Supervisory Authorities, March 2026); ECA JIA 2026 host; UNESCO RAM Africa-first completer; ECCAS and Smart Africa active; Malabo original ratifier; NADPA/RAPDP participant; CEMAC member; one of Africa's most multilaterally engaged small states on AI governance

    Note: GNAIS + ECA + UNESCO + ECCAS + Smart Africa + NADPA + Malabo = exceptional multilateral AI governance engagement for a country of 2.4M; scored 3

    Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. Central Africa mean 0.60 · all 54 states mean 0.78.

1. M8.1

   AI governance budget disbursed

   Score 2 / 4

   World Bank Digital Gabon USD 68.5M loan active (signed January 2024); Ministry of Digital Economy budget FCFA 82B (2026, 156% increase from 2024); World Bank project disbursements ongoing; Ordinance 0006/PR August 2025 digitalization regulation confirms AI governance investment; JIA 2026 ECA event funded

   Note: USD 68.5M World Bank active + FCFA 82B ministry budget = confirmed significant disbursement; AI-specific portion not disaggregated; scored 2

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources worldbank.org (opens in a new tab)

2. M8.2

   Health AI regulation

   Score 2 / 4

   World Bank Digital Gabon includes digital health components (telemedicine); PNCD 2026-2030 references health as an AI priority sector; UNESCO RAM identifies health as a concrete AI use case; JIA 2026 concept note lists health explicitly; no formal health AI governance instrument adopted

   Note: Health in World Bank project + PNCD + RAM + JIA = developing health AI governance; scored 2

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

3. M8.3

   Health AI devices approved

   Score 1 / 4

   No AI health device approval mechanism; World Bank project improving digital health infrastructure; no formal health AI regulatory pathway confirmed

   Note: Health AI infrastructure improving; no regulatory mechanism; scored 1

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

4. M8.4

   Government AI system registry

   Score 1 / 4

   World Bank Digital Gabon includes digital identity and civil registration systems, de facto AI-adjacent system registry; no formal AI system registry; PNCD 2026-2030 references government digital system inventory

   Note: Government digital systems being catalogued through World Bank project; no AI registry; scored 1

5. M8.5

   AI governance M&E reports

   Score 0 / 4

   UNESCO RAM report submitted to Prime Minister (January 2024), the most structured AI governance assessment; UNESCO GNAIS outreach report (March 2026); JIA 2026 will produce action plan; CTN-IA ongoing monitoring; World Bank Digital Gabon ISRs provide digital M&E; multiple governance assessments documented

   Note: UNESCO RAM + GNAIS report + JIA action plan + World Bank ISR = multiple governance assessments; scored 3

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value read from the evidence: "UNESCO RAM report submitted to Prime Minister (January 2024)" [RAM, GNAIS outreach and World Bank ISRs are not government M&E reports on an AI strategy]. Checked against the evidence on 7 October 2026: confirmed.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

6. M8.6

   Agriculture AI governance

   Score 2 / 4

   PNCD 2026-2030 identifies agriculture as an AI priority sector; UNESCO RAM includes agriculture as concrete AI use case; JIA 2026 explicitly lists agriculture as a priority sector; no formal agri-AI governance framework adopted but comprehensive planning underway

   Note: Agriculture in PNCD + RAM + JIA = developing agri-AI governance; scored 2

   Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

7. M8.7

   Financial services AI governance

   Score 2 / 4

   BEAC (regional central bank) covers Gabon; no BEAC AI guidance confirmed; mobile money (Moov Money, Airtel Money) growing without specific AI governance framework; APDPVP covers financial data processing; World Bank Digital Gabon includes financial inclusion components; no standalone financial AI governance

   Note: APDPVP data protection in financial sector; World Bank financial inclusion; scored 2

8. M8.8

   Education AI governance

   Score 2 / 4

   World Bank Digital Gabon includes digital education components; PNCD 2026-2030 references education as AI priority; JIA 2026 explicitly includes education as a concrete AI use case; UNESCO RAM recommendations include AI education; IAI training; no formal AI education policy

   Note: Education in World Bank + PNCD + RAM + JIA; IAI training; scored 2

   Sources worldbank.org (opens in a new tab)

9. M8.9

   Measurable governance outcomes

   Score 3 / 4

   UNESCO RAM completed and report submitted to Prime Minister (January 2024), one of the first in Africa; UNESCO GNAIS session (March 2026) confirmed governance progress; Ministry of Digital Economy budget grew 156%; World Bank USD 68.5M disbursing; APDPVP and CTN-IA operational; Malabo Convention ratified; multiple documented measurable governance outcomes in 2023-2026 period

   Note: RAM Africa-first; GNAIS progress confirmation; 156% budget increase; World Bank disbursement; APDPVP operational; Malabo ratified = multiple measurable outcomes; scored 3

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

10. M8.10

    WHO AI health guidance adoption

    Score 2 / 4

    UNESCO RAM includes health AI ethics alignment; PNCD 2026-2030 health AI references; UNESCO aligns with WHO AI health guidance; no formal standalone WHO AI health guidance adoption confirmed

    Note: UNESCO RAM covers health AI ethics; implicit alignment; scored 2