The Gabonese government has taken a decisive step toward modernizing its public utilities by dismantling the long-standing integrated model of the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG). Two new mixed-economy entities, Gabonaise des Eaux and Électricité du Gabon, will now oversee water and electricity management respectively, following the adoption of key legislation by the Council of Ministers on June 25, 2026.
This strategic separation aims to streamline responsibilities, enhance operational clarity, and pave the way for targeted investments in both sectors. Gabon is not alone in this approach—Senegal has already entrusted water services to Sen’Eau while electricity falls under Senelec. In Côte d’Ivoire, the division of duties between SODECI and CIE has demonstrated similar benefits. Even in Morocco, the ONEE has restructured its operations into autonomous branches to optimize financial management and service delivery.
The decision reflects a broader regional trend toward specialized governance, where clear mandates and dedicated management structures have consistently led to improved service reliability and user satisfaction. For the former SEEG, this transition offers an opportunity to shed past inefficiencies and adopt a more agile, transparent model tailored to the needs of Gabonese citizens.
