Gabon’s First Lady Endorses Women’s Agricultural Entrepreneurship. Libreville, Gabon — February 4, 2026 Gabon’s First Lady, Zita Oligui Nguema, has expressed her support for women in agricultural entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of women in the country’s agricultural sector. This comes as part of the ‘Projet 19’initiative, a regional program aimed at promoting sustainable development in the Congo Basin.
In a meeting with a delegation from the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which is involved in the ‘Projet 19’, First Lady Nguema emphasized the importance of empowering women to take leadership roles in the agricultural sector.
According to local reports, she highlighted the significant contributions women make to the nation’s food security and economic growth. Officials commented on the matter. “.
By supporting women entrepreneurs, we are not only fostering economic development but also enhancing food security and environmental sustainability.”
The ‘Projet 19’initiative is a collaborative effort involving several African countries, including Gabon, and aims to address challenges in agriculture such as climate change, soil degradation, and access to finance.
The program focuses on empowering women and youth, promoting innovation, and enhancing resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
In the meeting, the First Lady also discussed the need for increased investment in agriculture and the importance of providing women with access to training, markets, and credit. She called for a coordinated approach involving the government, private sector, and civil society to achieve these goals.
The government of Gabon has not yet commented on the specifics of the ‘Projet 19’initiative, but the meeting with the First Lady indicates a strong commitment to promoting women’s entrepreneurship in agriculture.





