Corporate Law at Gabon
Certainly! Here’s a concise overview of Corporate Law in Gabon:
🇬🇦 Corporate Law in Gabon – Overview
1. Legal Framework
Gabon's corporate law is influenced by French civil law and OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) regulations.
OHADA law provides a unified legal framework for business and commercial law across many African countries, including Gabon.
Key legislation includes the OHADA Uniform Act on General Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups.
2. Types of Companies
Common corporate forms under Gabonese law include:
Société Anonyme (SA) – Public limited company, suitable for large businesses.
Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) – Limited liability company, popular for SMEs.
Société en Nom Collectif (SNC) – General partnership.
Société en Commandite Simple (SCS) – Limited partnership.
Branch offices or representative offices of foreign companies are also allowed.
3. Company Formation
Companies must register with the Guichet Unique de Formalisation des Entreprises (GUFE) — the one-stop business registration center.
Documents required include the memorandum and articles of association, details of directors, and capital structure.
Minimum share capital depends on company type:
SARL: usually a lower minimum capital.
SA: minimum capital required (often substantial).
Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
4. Corporate Governance
SARL is managed by one or more managers (gérants).
SA is governed by a board of directors or a supervisory board plus management.
Annual general meetings and financial reporting are mandatory.
Companies must maintain accounting records according to OHADA standards.
5. Foreign Investment
Gabon encourages foreign direct investment (FDI).
Foreign investors can fully own companies.
Investment incentives include tax breaks and customs exemptions, especially in free zones.
Strategic sectors may have specific regulations.
6. Dispute Resolution
Commercial courts handle business disputes.
Gabon, as an OHADA member, uses the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA) in Abidjan for arbitration and appeals.
Arbitration and mediation are recognized dispute resolution methods.
If you want, I can help with:
Detailed steps for company registration in Gabon.
Sample documents or legal forms.
Information on taxation and compliance for businesses in Gabon.
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