Gabon introduces carbon levy for airlines and shipping

Gabon is set to implement a new carbon levy on 15 February targeting aviation and maritime industries. The levy, priced at $17 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e), is expected to cover 3–5 million tCO₂e of emissions annually, according to Africa Carbon Solutions, which helped design the mechanism.

A cargo ship sailing along the coast of Gabon, with a commercial airplane flying overhead. AI generated picture.

Half the carbon footprint from aircraft and vessel movements to and from Gabon will fall under the levy. Affected companies will contribute the fees into government-managed funds, which will support sustainable development initiatives within the country.

By 2026, businesses can offset 30% of their emissions through locally developed carbon projects, prioritising Gabonese initiatives. The levy amount may increase over time, further aligning with international carbon-reduction frameworks.

Officials emphasised this measure is not a tax on Gabon’s citizens or local businesses. Instead, it redirects the environmental commitments of international transport companies, many of which are already subject to global schemes like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and CORSIA, towards Gabon’s sustainable development.

The programme will be managed through the Africa Sovereign Carbon Registry, mirroring a similar system launched in Djibouti. Gabon’s scheme follows successful examples elsewhere, such as Djibouti's levy, which has funded 40 sustainable projects, including a prospective blue carbon initiative attracting global investors.

This development is part of Gabon’s broader environmental strategy under new leadership. The regime change in 2023, which replaced Ali Bongo with General Brice Oligui Nguema, has brought renewed focus on leveraging the country’s natural resources for sustainable growth.

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