Gabonese president receives initial census findings, outlines social support initiatives

In Libreville, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema recently accepted the preliminary findings of the General Population and Housing Census (RGPL). The provisional data was presented by Louise Pierrette Mvono, the Minister of Planning.

Achieving an impressive 97% coverage rate, this census initiative leveraged modern methodologies, including the geolocation of enumerators and advanced digital data collection. The project received crucial support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Bank, and local administrative authorities across all provinces.

The results confirm Gabon’s enduring appeal, highlighting a substantial foreign resident population. Furthermore, the statistics indicate a significant demographic concentration within Estuaire province, which accounts for nearly 60% of the nation’s inhabitants. This province is followed in population density by Haut-Ogooué and Ogooué-Maritime. These comprehensive statistics are set to become a vital strategic resource, facilitating the improved alignment of public services with the genuine needs of the populace.

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Beyond demographic insights, the census is poised to have a profound social impact. President Nguema has promptly directed the preparation of an additional census specifically targeting economically and socially vulnerable Gabonese citizens. This crucial undertaking, to be executed in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Cnamgs, aims to precisely identify the most fragile households. The objective is to prioritize social protection efforts and embed the sustained improvement of living conditions at the core of governmental policy.