Airtel Gabon has secured Gabon’s first technology-neutral licence for establishing and operating a fixed network, a move aimed at enhancing internet connectivity and advancing the country’s digital economy.
The agreement was signed on Thursday January 9 by Célestin Kadjidja, President of the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), and Thomas Herbert Gutjahr, CEO of Airtel Gabon, in the presence of General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Minister of the Digital Economy.
“This licence outlines Airtel Gabon’s responsibilities in deploying a fibre optic FTTH network, with strict operational standards to ensure reliable, high-speed internet—an essential foundation for a data-driven future,” Kadjidja stated.
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Improving infrastructure for a connected Gabon
This development is part of Gabon’s broader strategy to strengthen its digital infrastructure and boost access to quality internet services. The license enables Airtel Gabon to roll out fibre-optic networks, offering individuals and businesses dependable, high-speed connectivity at competitive prices.
The initiative builds on ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s telecommunications landscape, including the construction of a 208-kilometre fibre-optic network linking Libreville and Port-Gentil. Estimated at 4.3 billion CFA francs, this project is expected to improve internet access between Gabon’s key urban hubs, addressing longstanding gaps in connectivity.
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Extending access to underserved areas
In addition to fibre-optic services, the license allows Airtel Gabon to offer data transport through microwave technology, enabling connectivity for businesses and communities in remote parts of the country. This approach seeks to ensure that rural areas benefit from the same level of service as urban centres, fostering greater digital inclusion.
By advancing its telecommunications infrastructure, Gabon aims to create a more competitive environment for businesses while equipping its citizens with the tools needed to participate in a modern, digital economy. Airtel Gabon’s enhanced capabilities are poised to support local industries, improve service delivery, and drive economic growth across sectors.
As the rollout begins, Gabon’s leadership highlights the significance of investing in digital infrastructure as a critical step toward securing the country’s economic future and strengthening its position as a regional player in technology.