During a recent broadcast focused on the traditional 100-day performance review, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Radiance, and Arts, Paul Kessany, delivered a transparent account of his administration’s progress. Since assuming his role on January 2, 2026, the official has overseen a highly productive period: of the 53 projects launched, 62.3% have been successfully completed, while another 24.5% show an execution rate exceeding 50%.
As the 5th Republic continues to drive national transformation, Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa has emerged as a key figure in this evolution. His leadership has already left a significant mark on the youth sector, notably through the creation of a normalization committee within the National Youth Council of Gabon (CNJG). This regulatory move represents just one of many milestones achieved during his initial months in office.
Paul Kessany leads a new era of reform
The current trajectory suggests a profound renewal for the sectors under his supervision. In the realm of sports, the Minister initiated a comprehensive audit that resulted in the regularization of 13 Olympic federations. This effort is the opening phase of a broader plan to sanitize and professionalize the nation’s sports associations. Regarding infrastructure development, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Cultural Radiance, and Arts has committed to a two-year timeline to bring the Panthères back to competing on domestic pitches.
The cultural department has also seen major legislative and technological breakthroughs. Efforts to modernize the Bureau Gabonais des Droits d’Auteur (BUGADA) included the swearing-in of 21 new agents and the successful digitization of 2,250 creative works, ensuring the protection of national heritage. A pivotal decree signed on May 22, 2026, now regulates the exploitation of Iboga, shielding this precious resource from global commercial pressures. Additionally, Gabon’s prominent presence at FEMUA 18 in Abidjan highlighted the country’s diplomatic and cultural reach, further validating the Minister’s management strategy.