Gabon targets $2.01 billion international borrowing for 2027 budget

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 21 (Reuters) — Gabon's government plans to raise 1.144 trillion CFA francs ($2.01 billion) from international markets in 2027 under a draft budget that assumes faster economic growth and a rebound in oil output, while debt service and debt repayments rise sharply. The draft finance bill, adopted by cabinet and subject to parliamentary approval, puts total state resources and expenditure at 6.223 trillion CFA francs, up 727.9 billion CFA francs from the revised 2026 budget, according to a statement by the Economy and Finance Ministry published over the weekend. Planned 2027 funding also includes 600 billion CFA francs raised from domestic or regional markets, 300 billion CFA francs in bank borrowing, 600 billion CFA francs in budget support and 287.3 billion CFA francs in project finance. Economic growth forecast at 4.5% in 2027, compared with 4.0% in 2026. Oil production expected to rise 4.1% to 11.30 million metric tons, from 10.80 million tons in 2026. The budget assumes an average Gabonese crude price of $70 a barrel in 2027, down from $80 in 2026. Manganese output projected to increase 8.6% to 10.35 million tons, while the assumed price rises 45% to $241.9 a ton. Iron ore production is expected to begin in 2027, with output projected at 1.5 million tons. Debt servicing costs are projected at 667.3 billion CFA francs in 2027, up from 487.6 billion CFA francs in the revised 2026 budget. Debt amortisation is budgeted at 1.880 trillion CFA francs in 2027; the government also plans to clear 142.9 billion CFA francs in arrears.($1 = 567.7500 CFA francs) (Reporting by Colleen Goko, editing by Karin Strohecker) ((colleen.goko@thomsonreuters.com)