Gabon: minister Paul Kessany reports 62.3% completion rate for culture and sports projects

Invited to appear on Gabon 1ère’s routine “100-day review” programme, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Outreach and the Arts, Paul Kessany, calmly submitted to democratic accountability. Appointed on 2 January 2026, the official presented a remarkably active sectoral dashboard: out of 53 initiated projects, 62.3% were completed, while 24.5% show an execution rate above 50%.

At a time when the 5th Republic prides itself on having spurred a new momentum, some players can boast of having fully contributed to it. Among them is Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa. Indeed, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Outreach and the Arts has strived to leave his mark. First, on the youth front, by setting up a normalisation committee within the National Youth Council of Gabon (CNJG). This regulatory act was only one step in a string of achievements.

Paul Kessany on the path to the expected renewal

This is certainly the premise that is easily perceptible given the early signs in the terms of reference. In the sports sector, the government member launched a thorough audit which led to the regularisation of 13 Olympic federations. This initiative is the first step in a comprehensive process of cleaning up the associative fabric. In terms of infrastructure, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Outreach and the Arts has set himself a two-year deadline to bring the Panthères back onto national pitches.

Furthermore, the cultural component has distinguished itself through notable legislative and technological advances. Whether it is the modernisation of the Gabonese Copyright Office (BUGADA), marked by the swearing-in of 21 agents, or the digitisation of 2,250 works, Paul Ulrich Kessany has laid the groundwork to protect the national heritage. The decree of 22 May 2026, which now regulates the exploitation of Iboga in the face of international commercial pressure, crowns this journey. And what about the country’s diplomatic outreach during FEMUA 18 in Abidjan? A masterstroke that has validated his management sense to this day.