Gabon has embarked on a significant overhaul of its public utility sector, moving to separate the administration of water and electricity services. On June 25, 2026, the Council of Ministers formally approved two legislative proposals, leading to the establishment of ”Gabonaise des Eaux” and ”Électricité du Gabon”. These new mixed-economy corporations will take charge of potable water supply and electricity distribution, respectively.
By dissolving the integrated operational model of the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG), the government is prioritizing specialization. This strategic shift means each new operator will now have a clearly defined operational scope and more distinct responsibilities. Such an organizational structure is expected to attract greater investment and lead to substantial improvements in service delivery quality. Gabon’s decision mirrors similar reforms seen across the African continent. For instance, Sénégal has entrusted water management to Sen’Eau and electricity to Senelec. In Côte d’Ivoire, SODECI handles water, while CIE manages electricity. Morocco’s ONEE also segregates these two activities into autonomous branches to optimize financial management and investment flows.
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The implementation of such specialization elsewhere has consistently brought about clearer accountability, strengthened the governance of utility providers, and fostered a more conducive environment for the sustained enhancement of services for consumers. The same positive outcomes are anticipated for the former SEEG operations in Gabon, with high hopes that the future management of these two independent entities will surpass the performance standards observed to date.
