The government of Gabon has has initiated a transformative project to establish a national Data Center aimed at reinforcing the country’s digital autonomy and technological resilience. Presiding over the official signing ceremony, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema emphasized the importance of this development as a cornerstone of Gabon’s broader vision for digital sovereignty.
The agreement, signed between the Gabonese State and the National Digital Infrastructure and Frequency Agency (ANINF), lays the foundation for a secure and independent data infrastructure ecosystem that will support government operations, protect national data, and foster innovation across key sectors.
Road to digital independence
At the heart of the project is Cybastion, a U.S.-based cybersecurity and digital infrastructure firm, which will spearhead the initiative in collaboration with major international partners. Among the key collaborators are technology leader Cisco Systems, financial institutions such as Citibank and EximBank, and the government of the United States, underscoring the project’s geopolitical and economic significance. Their joint efforts will focus not only on constructing state-of-the-art digital facilities but also on transferring technological expertise and fostering long-term cooperation in cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience.
More than just a physical data repository, the center is envisioned as a strategic asset in Gabon’s pursuit of digital independence, especially in an era where control over information systems and data flows is tightly linked to national security and economic competitiveness. The new infrastructure will allow Gabon to host sensitive data within its own borders, reducing reliance on foreign digital services and enhancing the country’s ability to respond to cyber threats and manage digital resources autonomously.
An integral part of the initiative is its strong social impact component, which seeks to bridge the digital divide and equip young Gabonese citizens with future-ready skills. As part of the broader project framework, Cybastion and its partners have committed to training 1,000 young people in various digital professions, including cybersecurity, data management, and cloud technologies. This training initiative not only addresses the skills gap in the national labor market but also aligns with Gabon’s ambition to create a knowledge-based economy powered by a digitally literate and empowered workforce.
During the signing ceremony, Scott Blacklin, Vice President of Cybastion, highlighted the vision and leadership of President Oligui Nguema, characterizing him as a forward-thinking leader committed to the sustainable transformation of his nation. Blacklin praised the President’s dedication to positioning Gabon at the forefront of digital innovation in Central Africa, while reinforcing the values of security, sovereignty, and inclusion.
This landmark undertaking marks a turning point in Gabon’s digital evolution and signals a strong commitment to shaping a future where technology not only drives governance and economic growth but also uplifts communities through education and opportunity. By investing simultaneously in hard infrastructure and human capital, Gabon is setting a precedent in the region—demonstrating that digital transformation, when rooted in national priorities and inclusive development, can be a powerful engine for resilience and prosperity.