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Political stability is ushering in a promising era of economic and human development, enabling the government to develop initiatives and diplomatic activities to shape a more knowledgeable and prosperous Qatar. In foreign policy, the Arab Spring has presented the state with the opportunity to implement its overseas goals, with the Emir emphasising long-term stability brought about by continuous reforms. While domestic challenges remain – including the need to boost private sector employment among nationals – the government is taking steps to provide incentives for workers to pursue these jobs. This chapter includes a viewpoint with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. It also features interviews with Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr Al Thani, PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore.

OBG explores the Gabonese legal system, in partnership with Deloitte. This chapter contains an interview with Madeleine Berre, Partner and GM, Deloitte Legal and Tax; and Nicolas Balesme, Partner and GM, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

In collaboration with Deloitte, OBG introduces different aspects of the taxation system, explaining Gabon’s investor-friendly policies. This chapter contains a dialogue on incentives with Madeleine Berre, Partner and GM, Deloitte Legal and Tax; and Nicolas Balesme, Partner and GM, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Though the domestic media landscape is relatively small, it is also quite diverse. Print media continues to play an important role, with a number of popular local newspapers and periodicals, along with a wide range of international offerings. Television is growing particularly quickly following the introduction of digital terrestrial TV, which currently reaches 80% of the population. The media are supported by a dynamic advertising sector, which is continuously expanding and utilising a wider variety of platforms. Television and radio have been essential for reaching rural and remote populations, which do not receive much of the print media released in the cities. Given Gabon’s increasingly international presence, particularly following the Cup of African Nations, and its growing economy, the advertising industry is well-placed to vie for international investment.

Under the national health policy, adopted in 2010, Gabon is seeking to provide better quality care to its citizens. Plans to upgrade and build new health care facilities are under way, while a national health insurance scheme being rolled out will increase access to health care throughout the country, providing free care and access to medicine. The government hopes to offer universal health care by 2025. Under a new plan for education, the government will spend more than €2.5bn between 2010 and 2020 to construct and upgrade schools and educational facilities and train teachers. Goals for the sector include increasing enrolment rates and access to pre-school programmes. The government is also emphasising technical and vocational training to bring the education sector’s offerings in line with the country’s needs. This chapter contains a viewpoint by Dr Lachlan Forrow, President, International Foundation of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, on improving health care.

The telecoms industry is being redefined by a move toward mobile technology. Mobile subscriptions reached 2.37m in 2011, an increase of 112% since 2007. The mobile market is highly competitive, with four competing operators. With the penetration rate currently reaching the saturation point, operators will have to begin offering new services such as mobile broadband at lower rates to maintain a competitive edge. While a 3G licence has already been awarded, no services have as yet been rolled out. If the eventual introduction of 3G services is successful and affordable for mobile customers, it is expected that these will contribute to the continued steady expansion of the sector. Major changes are under way in the IT sector, with significant investments taking place in digital infrastructure. The installation of a second fibre-optic cable is expected to reduce the cost of access to broadband internet – a move which should help solve the problem of low internet penetration, which currently stands at approximately 18%. The government is also planning for the creation of seven IT flagship zones, which are intended to serve as incubators for small businesses, and is also facilitating a switch toward e-government services. This chapter contains an interview with Alex Bernard Bongo Ondimba, President, National Agency for Digital Infrastructure and Frequencies (ANINF).