Under the leadership of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabon is entering a new political phase with the presentation on 5 May 2025 of the first government of the Fifth Republic. Composed of 30 members, in addition to the Vice-President of the government, it embodies the desire for a balance between technical competence, political roots and generational renewal. The aim of this team is to respond to the socio-economic challenges facing the country, while at the same time overhauling the Gabonese public sector.
On Monday 05 May 2025, the President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, unveiled the composition of the first government of the 5th Republic. This executive was marked by the abolition of the post of Prime Minister and the creation of the Vice-Presidency. The new team is made up of experienced figures, recognised technocrats and new political faces. Séraphin Moundounga thus becomes the first vice-president in Gabon’s history, and Alexandre Barro Chambrier, who was deputy prime minister until the end of the transition, is appointed vice-president of the government, an unprecedented position designed to coordinate the execution of national policy.
“This new government has written a new page in our country’s political history. Firstly, because it is the very first government of the Fifth Republic, and secondly because it is placed under the direct authority of the President of the Republic – a first in our history. Several major challenges await it: The first is the fight against unemployment and meeting the aspirations of young people. The second is access to water and electricity for all, and the biggest challenge is political: keeping the promises of change made during the campaign.”
TSONGA MARTIAL, Political analyst – Gabon
Comprising 30 members, the new government team will be tasked with ensuring political and economic stability, consolidating public finances to ensure their viability, and adopting transparent and inclusive governance. Henri-Claude Oyima, Chairman and CEO of Gabonese bank BGFI, inherits the Economy portfolio. Among the newcomers, Zenaba Gninga Chaning, the only woman candidate in the April 2025 presidential election, has been appointed Minister for Entrepreneurship, Trade and SMEs. In total, the new government team includes 10 women, with 3 ministers of state and 8 new entrants. 21 members of the transitional government are in the new cabinet, including 10 who retain their portfolios.
“ Minister Régis Onanga Ndiaye has not only ensured continuity. He has laid the foundations for a more proactive diplomacy, focused on economic development and regional influence. Building on the work done during the transition, he is now responsible for giving new impetus to this dynamic.”
TSONGA MARTIAL, Political analyst – Gabon
Elected on 12 April with 94.85% of the vote, Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in on 4 May 2025 at the Stade d’Angondjé, in front of almost 40,000 people. Local, legislative and senatorial elections are scheduled between September and November 2025.
