Gabon reshuffles its government

Gabon conducted a cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, October 11, which included the appointment of eight new personalities and a reorganization of several ministerial portfolios. The new executive team consists of 32 members, according to the government composition.

New appointments take key roles

Among the new entrants is Olivier Mouckocko, appointed to Universal Access to Water and Energy. Lambert Mouvinde Millot takes charge of the Ministry of Public Works and Construction, while Emmanuel Eyeghe Nze is appointed to Commerce, Industry and Transformation, with the functions of government spokesperson.

Family ties and new faces

Raïssa Nana, wife of Ghogho, is appointed to the portfolio of Social Affairs, Family and Child Protection. The executive also welcomes Georges Christian Waza to the Ministry of Fisheries, the Sea and Blue Economy, Axel Jesson Ayenoue to Sustainable Tourism and Handicraft, and Stephen Olouna Mouba to Environment and Climate.

Departures and reassignments

The reshuffle leads to the departure of five ministers, including Camelia Ntoutoume Leclercq, who leaves the Ministry of National Education. She is replaced by Jacqueline Ilogue Bignoumba. The new composition also includes a redistribution of ministerial competencies.

Portfolio changes and stability

Commerce and Industry are now combined into a single department, while Environment and Climate are separated from Water and Forests. SMEs and Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, have an autonomous portfolio. Meanwhile, several officials in charge of the main economic and social sectors remain in their positions, including those responsible for Economy and Finance, Oil, Mines, Health, Foreign Affairs and Agriculture.

Challenges ahead for the government

This new team takes office in a context marked by the constraints of funding public action and the need to diversify the economy. In its draft budget for 2026, the government has reduced the state budget to 5,495.2 billion CFA francs, a decrease of 862.9 billion compared to initial forecasts.

Economic dependence and access gaps

Public investment credits have also been reduced. Despite an expected growth of 4% in 2026, the country remains heavily dependent on oil revenues and continues discussions with the IMF to consolidate its public finances, improve its business climate and support more inclusive growth. Needs remain significant in terms of access to essential services.

Water and electricity access disparities

According to data published by the World Bank in February 2026, 90% of the urban population had access to basic water services, compared to 55% in rural areas. For electricity, the access rates were respectively 94% and 29%.