World Bank Approves $150 Million to Support Power Services, Water in Gabon

The World Bank has approved $150 million to support a project aimed at improving access to basic services in Gabon.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) provided the financing under the Access to Basic Services and Performance Improvement Project (PASBAP), financed the operation aims to modernize water and electricity services, improve the quality and reliability of existing supply, and strengthen the financial sustainability of service operators. 

In addition, it also integrates climate change adaptation and mitigation objectives.

According to the World Bank, 90% of Gabon’s urban population has access to basic water services, while 94% has access to electricity. However, continuous service interruptions and inadequate quality continue to undermine these access levels. Meanwhile, rural areas have lower access rates, with 55% for water and 29% for electricity. 

The project, which is designed to benefit about 535,000 people nationwide, places strong emphasis on climate resilience and the deployment of low-carbon solutions, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

The operation aimed at expanding access to electricity in Africa by 2030 aligns with Gabon’s National Development Plan 2025–2032, the World Bank Country Partnership Framework, the Group’s Water Strategy, and the Mission 300 initiative