Security Guard Services in Gabon

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Gabon

In Gabon, private security and guarding companies must obtain an authorization to operate (agrément) from the Ministry of the Interior, Security and Decentralization. Applications are filed with the Directorate General of Territorial Administration (DGAT).

Competent authority: Ministry of the Interior, Security and Decentralization (Ministère de l’Intérieur, de la Sécurité et de la Décentralisation), through the Directorate General of Territorial Administration (Direction générale de l’Administration du territoire, DGAT). In December 2025, the ministry launched an inspection and regularization operation, and in June 2026 a review committee examined 93 files covering new companies, renewals and compliance updates. A draft ordinance on private security and the transport of goods was presented to the Council of Ministers on January 17, 2025, and a new legal framework was announced, but no number or adoption date for a law or decree could be confirmed.

Application Steps

1. The head of the company files a formal application for authorization, addressed to the Minister of the Interior, with the DGAT (3rd floor, office 308, according to the December 2025 notice).
2. Attach a certified copy of the head of the company’s identity document and a recent criminal record extract.
3. For legal entities, attach proof of Gabonese nationality and of majority ownership of the capital by nationals.
4. Attach proof of the company’s financial and technical capacity and a certificate of residence showing at least five years of continuous presence in Gabon.
5. Attach the list of partners and employees and an inventory of the security equipment and weapons used or planned.
6. For a renewal, also attach copies of previous authorizations.
7. The ministry’s review committee examines the file.

Agency Licensing

Companies must hold an authorization from the Minister of the Interior. According to the December 2025 notice, the file filed with the DGAT includes an application addressed to the minister, the certified identity document of the head of the company, a recent criminal record extract, proof of Gabonese nationality and of majority ownership of the capital by Gabonese nationals (legal entities), proof of financial and technical capacity, a certificate of residence showing five years of continuous presence in Gabon, the list of partners and employees, and an inventory of security equipment and weapons. The June 2026 review divided the 93 files among guarding companies with non-lethal weapons (23), unarmed guarding companies (68) and security equipment sellers (2).

The files examined in June 2026 fell into two guarding categories: with non-lethal weapons and unarmed. According to the press, the January 2025 draft ordinance allows the use of weapons only under strict authorization, permits canine units and video surveillance, and requires a license for any trade in weapons and ammunition. No rule allowing private officers to carry lethal firearms has been confirmed.

Authorizations are renewed through the ministry’s review procedure, and applicants must provide copies of their previous authorizations. No period of validity and no fee has been confirmed.

Sources

• GabonReview: Private security, the Ministry of the Interior launches a broad inspection and regularization operation (Dec 2025)
• Gabon Media Time: 93 private security companies ordered to comply with the law (June 2026)
• Gabon Media Time: Toward strict regulation of private security and goods transport companies (Jan 2025)

Regulations change. Confirm current rules with the competent official authority before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last updated November 2026.