In Libreville, Gabon, the first year of President Brice Clotaire Oiigui Nguema’s tenure has been a period of multifaceted action across various sectors, according to a recent interview with the Gabonese Press Agency (AGP). André Adjo, a political scientist and researcher at the Group for Political and Defense Studies (GREPOD) at the Institute for Human Sciences Research and the National Center for Scientific and Technological Research, provided insights into the president’s initiatives.
One year after his election, President Oiigui Nguema’s actions have been guided by his inaugural speech on May 3, 2025, which outlined key objectives centered around economic and industrial sovereignty, infrastructure development, state organization, and social issues such as energy, water, and the cost of living. Adjo noted that while the Gabonese society is moving in the right direction, the pace of change varies across different aspects of social, economic, and political life.
Economically, there has been a resurgence in the production of oil, manganese, fisheries, and agriculture. Infrastructure projects, including road, bridge, and public building construction, are now widespread across the country. Additionally, there have been several initiatives aimed at streamlining state operations, such as the digitization process targeting various aspects of state life.
However, there remains a sense of impatience among the population regarding critical social issues that have accumulated significant delays, including water, energy, and administrative processes. This impatience is also evident in the rising cost of living, for which the Central Purchasing Office is a proposed solution. Adjo acknowledged that resolving these issues requires time and resources.
President Oiigui Nguema has demonstrated an understanding of the power dynamics and the impact of events like the education sector strike. He has been successful in winning the hearts and minds of the Gabonese people, and his legitimacy is a significant asset for his presidency. Yet, Adjo emphasized the need for the president to remain attentive to the voices of the people, particularly those from rural areas, as they often convey truths that are not heard elsewhere.
To ensure the successful implementation of the Executive’s National Development Plan (PNCD), which originates from the societal project that led to the president’s approval on April 12, 2025, Adjo suggested that the president should focus on securing financial resources for all announced projects. He also recommended strict public debt management to ensure the necessary margin throughout his term. Furthermore, Adjo advocated for the institutionalization of a culture of evaluation before, during, and after the deployment of public initiatives, ensuring that the president maintains control over the initiatives he initiates.
Source: Agpgabon
Original author: Redaction
