Cryptocurrency possession and trading are not explicitly prohibited in Gabon, though digital assets are not recognized as legal tender by the Bank of Central African States. As a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, Gabon operates under regional regulations that significantly restrict cryptocurrency transactions through financial institutions (1). In May 2022, the Central African Banking Commission issued Decision D-2022/071 prohibiting banks, microfinance institutions, payment service providers, and their technical partners from holding, using, exchanging, or converting cryptocurrencies (1).
The prohibition aims to safeguard financial stability and protect customer deposits within the CEMAC region. Reporting institutions must identify and track cryptocurrency-related transactions, submitting detailed monthly reports to the COBAC Secretariat General and the Central Bank including information about ordering clients, beneficiaries, amounts, transaction currency, and purposes (1). The regulatory framework mandates that the CFA franc remains the exclusive currency for reporting institutions' accounts, with conventional currencies issued by central banks used solely for foreign exchange accounts (1).
"Reporting institutions and their technical partners involved in payment services are prohibited from subscribing to or holding cryptocurrencies or virtual currencies, whether for their own accounts or on behalf of third parties."
Despite cryptocurrency restrictions, Gabon has prioritized digital transformation through initiatives supported by the World Bank. In January 2024, Gabon signed a $68.5 million loan agreement for the Digital Gabon Project to accelerate adoption of digitalized public services and enhance legal identity systems (2). The operation focuses on creating enabling environments by strengthening legal, regulatory, and technological foundations for data protection, cybersecurity, and securing data exchange within the public sector (2). However, these digital initiatives focus on traditional payment infrastructure modernization rather than cryptocurrency integration, with the government launching the Digitax Gabon platform in April 2024 to digitalize public revenue collection (2).
Source:
https://4mlegaltax.com/regulation-of-cryptocurrency-in-the-cemac/
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/01/02/gabon-the-world-bank-boost-its-support-to-accelerate-digital-transformation
Last updated: 18-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
