• Congo names new cabinet with vice prime minister, 37 ministers
• Key reshuffle follows April elections and government resignation
• New team targets economic diversification, high poverty and unemployment

Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso of the Republic of Congo on Friday named a new cabinet. Appointed on April 24, 2026, it includes one vice prime minister, three ministers of state and 37 ministers, with several portfolio reshuffles.

Among the key appointments, Jean-Jacques Bouya, formerly minister of state for territorial planning and major public works, was promoted to vice prime minister, overseeing infrastructure and territorial planning. Pierre Oba, previously mines minister, becomes minister of state for political affairs. Alphonse Claude Nsilou was named minister of state for construction, urban planning and housing, while Pierre Mabiala will head the ministry of state for civil service, labor and social dialogue.

Ingrid Ebouka-Babackas, the former transport minister, will now oversee social protection and welfare. Jean-Rosaire Ibara was reappointed minister of health and population.

The new government is tasked with delivering on commitments made by President Denis Sassou-Nguesso during his campaign under the program “Accelerating the Path to Development.” The plan focuses on political stability, economic recovery and diversifying an economy still heavily reliant on oil, in a country that ranks among sub-Saharan Africa’s leading crude producers. Improving infrastructure and strengthening social cohesion are also key priorities.

The reshuffle follows recent elections, after the government resigned on April 17, 2026, and Makosso was reappointed on April 23. Expectations are high for the new government, particularly on sensitive issues such as youth unemployment, financial inclusion and inequality.

According to the World Bank, about 52% of Congo’s population lives below the poverty line, while the human capital index stands at 0.42, below the lower-middle-income average of 0.48. The unemployment rate is around 42%, highlighting the scale of social challenges. Macroeconomically, the institution projects moderate growth, rising from 2.6% in 2024 to 2.9% in 2025.

Ingrid Haffiny