Gabon reforms public services by splitting water and electricity sectors

Gabon has initiated a fundamental transformation of its public utility landscape by separating the management of water and electricity. On June 25, 2026, the Council of Ministers approved two legislative proposals establishing Gabonaise des Eaux and Électricité du Gabon. These two semi-public enterprises will now be independently responsible for the nation’s drinking water and power supply, respectively.

By dismantling the integrated model previously held by the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG), the government is prioritizing technical specialization. Each operator will henceforth function within a strictly defined scope, ensuring that operational responsibilities are transparently assigned. This structural shift is designed to streamline capital investments and elevate the standard of service provided to the population.

This strategic move aligns Gabon with several other African nations that have already adopted similar models. In Sénégal, water services are handled by Sen’Eau while electricity falls under Senelec. Similarly, Côte d’Ivoire distributes these missions between SODECI and CIE. In Maroc, ONEE maintains autonomous branches for each activity to optimize financial management and infrastructure development.

Experience across the continent suggests that such specialization clarifies accountability, strengthens corporate governance, and creates a more favorable environment for the sustainable improvement of user services. For the future of the SEEG, this transition represents a significant opportunity to move past current management challenges and establish more efficient utility providers.