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Escaping the Curse of Oil? The Case of Gabon

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  • Mr. Ludvig Söderling

Abstract

This paper studies the prospects for sustainable growth and economic development in Gabon, in the face of a severe decline in its main source of income and growth, i.e. oil. A simple Computable General Equilibrium model is used to simulate the development of the non-oil economy under various assumptions. The results of the simulations underline Gabon's dependence on foreign financing-especially private-and its vulnerability to variations in oil prices. The potential role of an income stabilization fund is also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Ludvig Söderling, 2002. "Escaping the Curse of Oil? The Case of Gabon," IMF Working Papers 2002/093, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2002/093
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