During a recent appearance on Gabon 1ère, Paul Kessany, Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Radiance, and Arts, delivered a comprehensive update on his department’s progress since taking office on January 2, 2026. Addressing the public in a transparent review of his first 100 days, he highlighted a robust performance: out of 53 initiated projects, 62.3% have been fully completed, while an additional 24.5% are over 50% complete.

Kessany, whose full name is Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa, has swiftly positioned himself as a driving force for transformation in Gabon’s cultural and sports landscape. His strategic reforms have already left a lasting impact. In the youth sector, he spearheaded the establishment of a normalization committee within the National Youth Council of Gabon (Conseil National de la Jeunesse du Gabon), marking a critical step toward institutional strengthening.

Sports sector undergoes major reforms and infrastructure upgrades

Under Kessany’s leadership, the sports domain has seen sweeping changes. A thorough audit of 13 Olympic federations was conducted, leading to their formal regularization—a foundational move toward restoring integrity in the country’s sporting associations. On the infrastructure front, he has set an ambitious two-year timeline to revitalize the Gabon national football team, known as Les Panthères, ensuring they regain their competitive edge on home soil.

Culture sector embraces modernization and legal safeguards

The cultural domain has also witnessed significant legislative and technological advancements. The Gabonese Copyright Office (Bureau Gabonais des Droits d’Auteur or BUGADA) underwent modernization, including the swearing-in of 21 new agents to enforce intellectual property rights more effectively. Additionally, 2,250 works have been digitized to preserve the nation’s artistic heritage. A landmark decree issued on May 22, 2026, now regulates the commercial exploitation of Iboga, addressing pressing international concerns while respecting traditional uses. These efforts culminate in Gabon’s strong diplomatic presence at FEMUA 18 in Abidjan, showcasing the country’s renewed cultural influence.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter