The telecommunications sector is thriving in Gabon, which aspires to become a hub for ICT. The country is supported by partners whose assistance is crucial for achieving its ambitions.

On Wednesday, July 24, Gabon’s postal operator La Poste SA, and the Equatoguinean company Inverfin signed a memorandum of understanding to expand internet access in the tri-border area, which lies at the crossroads of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon. 

Backed by the gabonese ministry of communications, the partnership is the culmination of discussions that began last May during an Inverfin visit to Libreville. Inverfin proposed to fully fund La Poste SA's digital projects in the tri-border area. They also expressed interest in supporting the Economic Interest Group (GIE) Poste Télédiffusion Services Universels, established in February, in its efforts to expand telecom network coverage in underserved areas nationwide.

"La Poste SA, known for its expertise in covering underserved areas, will leverage its know-how to assist Inverfin in connecting this strategic region, thereby reducing the digital divide," stated the Ministry of Communication.

This collaboration comes as Gabon intensifies its initiatives to improve connectivity across the country. Poste Télédiffusion Services Universels is particularly committed to enhancing access to telephony and internet services in rural areas at low cost, aiming to bridge the digital divide by providing broader network coverage.

The partnership is expected to enable La Poste SA, whose development is currently weak according to the 2023 Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) by the Universal Postal Union, to move closer to its objectives. It would also allow the 30% of the population still lacking access to audiovisual, telephony, and internet services to benefit from these essential services.

Samira Njoya