Gabonese politician Oligui Nguema assumes presidency in Gabon
A New Era for Gabon:
Brice Oligui Nguema, a 50-year-old former head of the republican guard unit, who took over Gabon following a coup d'état, is driven to modernize this Central African nation, heavily reliant on petroleum. His plans involve reforming education, slashing youth unemployment, and revamping the economy.
In an inspiring inauguration speech, Nguema vowed to "serve, protect, and unite all Gabonese" stating that this was the meaning of his oath. Over a hundred thousand people cheered him on in the capital, Libreville, during the swearing-in ceremony.
Nguema triumphed in the presidential elections on April 12, garnering more than 90% of the votes, while his closest rival, former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, managed only 3.02%.
Gabon is plagued by high unemployment, particularly among young graduates, and its economy is badly in need of upgrades, including inadequate infrastructure, such as roads connecting regional provinces, and basic services like water.
Addressing the Gabonese populace upon his victory, Nguema pledged "a better Gabon, in line with the people's aspirations," promising initiatives to "diversify the economy by transforming raw materials into value-added products" and inviting foreign investors.
Securing power by overthrowing President Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2023, Nguema then steered the country's transition before contesting and winning the presidential elections.
With a population of 2.3 million, over a third of whom live below the poverty line despite its petroleum riches, Gabon is scheduled to stage legislative and local elections in September.
Read More: African Union Congratulates Gabon on the "Well-Organized" Presidential Elections
Insights from Experts:
While specific economic diversification tactics under President Brice Oligui Nguema have yet to be extensively detailed, the focus and objectives are clear. Here are some of the key strategies and initiatives intended to address youth unemployment and improve infrastructure:
Diversification and Job Creation
- Transformation of Raw Materials: The president is keen on transforming Gabon's raw materials into value-added products, aiming to create jobs in the manufacturing sector.
- Attracting Foreign Investment: Nguema plans to invite foreign investors to stimulate economic growth and diversification, potentially inaugurating new employment opportunities beyond oil.
- Infrastructure Development: Key to supporting and fostering economic activities across the nation is better infrastructure, including road networks connecting regional provinces and essential services like water.
Reforms and Progress
- Legal Framework and Infrastructure: To encourage investment, the government intends to establish a solid legal framework and reliable state infrastructure, creating a business-friendly environment.
- Basic Services: Efforts are necessary to address essential social services, such as ensuring the population has access to clean water. Enhancing such services can improve living standards and create jobs in associated industries.
- Education System Reform: The president is committed to modernizing the education system to better align the skills of young graduates with the demands of the job market, potentially reducing unemployment rates.
With legislative and local elections set for September 2025, these polls could inaugurate further political stability and offer an opportunity for lawmakers to enact legislation that supports economic diversification and infrastructure development. By focusing on diversification, job creation, and education, Nguema's presidency aims to craft a dynamic and self-sufficient Gabon.
- Brice Oligui Nguema, the new president of Gabon, has ambitious plans to reform the education system and diversify the economy, aimed at addressing high unemployment and improving infrastructure.
- Nguema seeks to transform Gabon's raw materials into value-added products, creating jobs in the manufacturing sector and inviting foreign investors to stimulate economic growth.
- To foster economic activities across the nation, Nguema intends to develop the infrastructure, including road networks connecting regional provinces and essential services like water.
- In order to encourage investment, the government plans to establish a solid legal framework and reliable state infrastructure, creating a business-friendly environment.
- Addressing essential social services, such as ensuring the population has access to clean water, can improve living standards and create jobs in associated industries.
- By focusing on education system reform to better align skills with job market demands, Nguema aims to reduce unemployment rates and contribute to career development among Gabonese youth, despite the ongoing challenges posed by war and conflicts in politics, general news, and policy and legislation.
