• Gabon names Thierry Minko economy and finance minister in Jan. 1 reshuffle

• Move follows transition, aims to tighten finances, tackle rising living costs

• Appointment comes amid debt scrutiny after Fitch sovereign downgrade

Gabon’s president has appointed Thierry Minko as minister of economy, finance, debt and state holdings in a Jan. 1 cabinet reshuffle, marking a new phase after the country’s political transition.

Minko replaces Henri-Claude Oyima, a prominent banking executive who joined the government in May 2025. During his tenure, Oyima remained chairman and chief executive of BGFI Group, a dual role that drew public scrutiny. This came as BGFI pursued a planned listing on the BVMAC stock exchange, a significant transaction for the regional financial market. The long-delayed project has faced repeated setbacks and remains unresolved.

The appointment comes amid high public expectations on economic management and the rising cost of living, as authorities say they want to tighten oversight of public finances and restore confidence.

Minko will head one of the government’s most powerful and wide-ranging portfolios, overseeing economic policy, budget preparation and execution, public debt management and state shareholdings. The ministry is also responsible for curbing rising prices, a political priority as households face declining purchasing power.

The presidency said the reshuffle was designed to create a streamlined government focused on efficiency and institutional stability following the transition that began with the August 2023 change of power. Authorities say the new team will now prioritise economic recovery, fiscal sustainability and restoring the country’s financial credibility.

Little is publicly known about Minko’s background. His mandate is expected to centre on sensitive issues, including debt management and the control of prices for staple goods. Debt levels are under close scrutiny after Fitch Ratings downgraded Gabon’s sovereign rating on Dec. 19 to “CCC-” from “CCC”, citing severe liquidity pressures, tighter access to financial markets and rapidly rising public debt.

The new government comprises 31 members and features an unusual institutional structure, with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also serving as head of government.

The cabinet includes a vice president of the government, a role equivalent to prime minister, held by Hermann Immongault, who previously served as interior minister and oversaw election organisation. Hugues Alexandre Barro Chambrier was appointed vice president of the republic.

Other key appointments include Adrien Nguema Mba as interior minister, Marie-Edith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbénény as foreign minister, Augustin Emane as justice minister and Clotaire Kondja as oil minister.