The Gabonese, who are preparing for New Year’s Eve, remember that 2022 was a very difficult year. The Covid-19 pandemic and especially the consequences of the war in Ukraine have seriously impacted the cost of living. This oil-producing country in the Gulf of Guinea, which imports almost everything it consumes, has therefore not been spared by soaring costs on the international market.
With our correspondent in Libreville, Yves-Laurent Goma
At the Mont Bouét market, the largest in Libreville, the good or bad health of the Gabonese economy is reflected. In the opinion of customers, life has been too expensive in 2022: ” Very expensive, and it still continues to be twice as expensive. We don’t know what we’re going to do, while the food keeps increasing “says a Gabonese.
” Things are too expensive. Ukraine and Russia are blamed, but traders and consumers can’t breathe. The cost of living is getting very high, more than 2021 says a present at the market.
Authorities ” have taken action, but we find that the measures are not respected, because the basket of the housewife is really very expensive today. The Gabonese can no longer feed themselves with 20 000 CFA francs “Another Gabonese is indignant.
Accused of being at the origin of the high cost of living, the shopkeepers defend themselves: ” Since we are wholesalers, it’s expensive for us too. The crate is now at 100 000 CFA francs. But usually, she’s more like 40 000 or 45 000 “, summarizes one.
However, the government had capped the prices of certain products. But consumers say they felt nothing. They are calling for more government efforts in 2023 to lower prices.
An economic shock that hits all of Africa
In 2022, the African continent has suffered a series of external shocks : high inflation – 8% on average – an increase in the price of fertilizers and cost of credit. Overall growth is down from 2021, expected to reach 3.5%. The outlook for 2023 is therefore cautious. The chief economist of the Bloomfied investment rating agency, Marius Achi explains the measures taken to cushion the impact:
Bloomfied investment ratings chief economist Marius Achi explains the difficulties of the African continent
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