Gabon is set to introduce a new housing tax in January to help address its rising debt, which has reached 8.6 trillion CFA francs ($15.45 billion).
The tax, ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 CFA francs ($1.80-$53.88) per month, will be paid by dwelling owners or tenants, excluding vulnerable households, schools, and places of worship.
The funds will support public services like lighting, road maintenance, and city cleanliness.
This move comes as Gabon faces liquidity challenges, relying heavily on regional capital markets.
The country has struggled with poverty, with over a third of its population living below the poverty line, and limited access to basic services like water and electricity in rural areas.
