Gabonaise des Jeux (GDJ), Gabon’s new public gambling and entertainment operator, has formally entered its operational phase following its first board meeting in Libreville.
Created in December 2025, GDJ was established as part of wider government efforts to increase state involvement in the gambling sector. The latest meeting followed parliamentary approval of legislation ratifying the ordinance that created the company.
The board reviewed several of the main instruments required for GDJ’s rollout, including its internal governance rules, operating and investment budgets and strategic development plan.
Major General Bonjean Mbandza, Chairman of the Board, said the organisation forms part of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s broader policy of increasing national control over selected parts of the economy.
GDJ CEO Roméo Fabrice Nguema Ondo said the next stage would focus on translating those policy objectives into economic results and creating domestic value from the gambling and entertainment sector.
The operational launch follows a period of broader gambling reform in Gabon. Earlier this year, proposed legislation was presented to the Senate’s Economic Affairs Committee after receiving approval from the National Assembly, with authorities seeking stronger oversight of gambling activity and clearer provisions for the expanding online market.
GDJ has also entered into a technology partnership with Paymetrust aimed at centralising and monitoring financial flows related to online betting. The system is intended to provide real-time visibility over deposits and winnings while supporting regulatory oversight and fraud prevention.
GDJ was created by decree in December 2025 as part of Gabon’s broader restructuring of the gambling sector
