Gabon has launched a comprehensive audit of its public debt portfolio, aiming to determine the exact stock of obligations that should be formally recognized. The central African nation is working to establish clarity on its borrowing before approaching the International Monetary Fund for a new support program.

The debt review comes as Gabon seeks to reset its economic relationship with the IMF. Previous IMF programs with African nations have typically required upfront debt transparency and sustainability assessments before disbursing funds. The audit will help authorities identify any obligations that may have been improperly recorded or excluded from official statistics.

This transparency push could pave the way for debt restructuring negotiations with creditors. IMF programs often serve as a framework for coordinating with bilateral lenders and private bondholders. For international investors holding Gabonese debt, the audit results will be critical in assessing the country's true fiscal position and potential recovery prospects.

The audit represents a necessary first step before any formal IMF engagement. Once complete, Gabon will have a clearer picture of its obligations and a stronger foundation for negotiating financial support.