Gabonese President Oligui Nguema discusses economic future, international relations, and social issues in France 24 interview
via Gabon Review4 min read
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema recently gave an exclusive interview to France 24, broadcast on May 2, 2026, one year after his election. He discussed a busy international agenda, major economic deadlines, and addressed several pending issues. President Nguema announced the delivery of several thermal power plants by July 2027, acknowledging public concerns about water and electricity, and emphasized his seven-year mandate. He confirmed an upcoming state visit to France on July 20, stating that relations with Paris are strong. Regarding Eramet, an agreement was reached for local manganese processing, with President Nguema setting a firm deadline: "If nothing is transformed in 2029, the manganese will not leave." He also confirmed a program with the International Monetary Fund for late 2026, delayed by an audit of inherited debt. President Nguema rejected the 2.6% growth forecast by the AfDB, asserting the health of the Gabonese economy. He highlighted economic sovereignty through actions like the repurchase of Assala and the future ban on raw manganese exports, aiming to diversify partners. The President stated he refused a request from the Trump administration to host migrants expelled from the United States. He also announced that social media, suspended since February, would be reopened after Parliament votes on a legislative framework to regulate online abuses, with fines for defamation. Addressing sensitive issues, President Nguema confirmed a diplomatic
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The 4th edition of the Scientific Days of the Institute of Technological Research JSIRT 2026 is taking place in Libreville, Gabon, from July 17 to 19. Organized by IRT/CENAREST in partnership with Ecomat Africa and the French Institute of Gabon, the event brings together researchers, academics, industrialists, and partners. The theme for this year's gathering is "Eco-materials, technological innovation, and industrial sovereignty: applied research for sustainable transformation." The primary objective is to bridge applied research with the needs of economic and industrial development, highlighting advancements in Gabonese scientific research and facilitating their transfer to productive sectors. The JSIRT 2026 serves as a platform for interdisciplinary exchanges, showcasing research results, and fostering dialogue between scientists and the industrial world. Participants include researchers, university professors, businesses, and institutional partners, all focused on technological solutions to diversify the national economy. According to the Deputy Director General of Scientific Research, Professor Christiane Atteke Nkoulembene 茅pouse Makanga Koumba, these sessions offer an opportunity to review scientific progress and new research directions, identify collaboration opportunities through national and international projects, and promote technology transfer between research centers, universities, and industry. Dr. Rostand Moutou Pitti, a researcher at IRT, views the event as a
Gabon and the Moroccan organization Tibu Africa officially launched a partnership on July 16 in Libreville, focusing on education, health, and social inclusion through sport. Supported by Gabonese authorities and the CIMAF Gabon group, the initiative will be rolled out in ten public schools starting September 2026, with a roadmap extending to 2031. Gabon is the first Central African country to adopt Tibu Africa's large-scale sport-for-education model. The official launch and agreement signing, attended by government officials, presidential representatives, Moroccan diplomats, and private partners, aim to use sport as a driver for human development. The agreement was signed by the Minister of State for National Education and Civic Instruction, Cam茅lia Ntoutoume Leclercq, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Outreach and Arts, Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa, and the President-Founder of Tibu Africa, Mohamed Amine Zariat. The program, named "Sporting Generation," will progressively integrate sport education into Gabonese public schools, beginning with a pilot phase in three regions. This cooperation seeks to position Gabon as a regional leader in using sport for development. Tibu Gabon's five-year roadmap, presented by Mohamed Amine Zariat, outlines a gradual expansion across the country, focusing on education, health, youth empowerment, and social cohesion. Tibu Africa views Gabon as a strategic platform for its Central African expansion, building on its presence in Morocco, Ga
Gabon, represented by Minister of State Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, participated in the 78th ordinary session of the Committee of Ministers of the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar ASECNA on July 10 in Ciudad de la Paz, Equatorial Guinea. The Gabonese delegation included the Director General of the National Civil Aviation Agency ANAC, Major General 脡ric Tristan Franck Moussavou, and Toussaint Mvola Ndong, technical advisor to the ANAC Directorate General. The meeting reviewed ASECNA's performance in 2025 and its outlook for 2026, focusing on strategic reforms, governance, and strengthening air safety. The ANAC Gabon report stated that Gabon's participation demonstrates its commitment to actively contribute to ASECNA's governance bodies and support initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, security, and performance of air navigation in the community. Discussions covered the 2025 management report, developments in the first half of 2026, and the adoption of new planning tools, including the 2026-2035 Strategic Orientation Plan and the 2026-2030 Services and Equipment Plan. An independent audit of ASECNA's governance, operations, finances, technical systems, and human resource management began in the first half of 2026 to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing reforms. The Committee of Ministers reaffirmed its commitment to support ASECNA in implementing strategic reforms to ensure safer, more efficient air navigation in line with international standards f