June 9, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Gabon: new leader at helm of railway transport regulator

Gabon has ushered in a new era for its railway transport sector with the official installation of Ludovic Megne Ndong as the President of the Autorité de Régulation des Transports Ferroviaires (ARTF).

The handover ceremony, held in Owendo, marked the transition from François Banga Eboumi, setting the stage for fresh leadership and strategic direction.

Key priorities for the new president

With a background as a former Minister of Housing, Ludovic Megne Ndong assumes leadership with a clear mandate: to implement the newly defined institutional reforms within the ARTF. His vision centers on operational efficiency and alignment with the latest regulatory directives, particularly those outlined in the recent ordinance reorganizing the authority’s structure.

Strengthening collaboration and oversight

Eager to foster a more dynamic and responsive governance model, Ndong intends to deepen collaboration with social partners and ARTF staff. His goal is to enhance both institutional performance and working conditions for employees. Among the immediate priorities is the redeployment of inspection teams and the resumption of oversight activities along the Transgabonais railway corridor, stretching from Owendo to Franceville.

Ceremony highlights and sector reforms

The handover event drew key figures, including François Ndong Obiang, Minister of Reform and Relations with Institutions, and Adrien Moukabi, Executive Secretary of the ARTF. This leadership change arrives amid a broader wave of reforms reshaping Gabon’s railway sector, signaling a commitment to modernization and improved service delivery.