Written by: Badr Ahmed

In a lengthy speech lasting two hours and 15 minutes before the Gabonese Parliament, President General Brice Olégi Nguema presented a summary of what has been achieved since he took power, in addition to outlining the government's programs and projects for the coming years, within a vision aimed at strengthening economic and social development in the country.

The Gabonese president reviews his achievements and announces extensive development plans before parliament.

The President reviewed a number of achievements made during the past period, most notably the creation of 22,000 job opportunities specifically for young people, a step aimed at reducing unemployment rates and supporting youth integration into the labor market. He also announced the establishment of a new intercity transportation company, whose fleet has been bolstered with up to 100 modern buses, with the goal of improving transportation services and enhancing connectivity between different regions.

As part of plans to develop economic infrastructure, the Gabonese president pledged to build two new ports, which will contribute to strengthening the country’s logistical capabilities and facilitating internal and external trade, stressing that port development is a key pillar for supporting economic growth and diversifying national income sources.

Nguema also stressed the importance of enhancing the performance of the mining sector as one of the strategic drivers of the Gabonese economy, noting the work to develop this sector and increase its productivity in a way that serves the goals of sustainable development and enhances state revenues.

In the social sphere, the President announced the expansion of the health insurance system to include new professional categories, including shoemakers, tailors, and car repair workers, in a move aimed at promoting social justice and expanding the umbrella of health protection to include wider segments of society.

In the education sector, the President revealed the launch of an intensive program aimed at combating violence and drug abuse within educational institutions, along with a comprehensive plan to build and rehabilitate a number of schools and vocational training centers, in order to improve the quality of education and develop the skills of young people.

At the end of his speech, the President called for organizing major national sessions on education, with the aim of developing a comprehensive reform vision for the sector that would enhance its ability to keep pace with the requirements of development and the labor market.

This speech comes in the context of a government initiative to restructure national priorities in Gabon, focusing on employment, infrastructure, education and health as key pillars of growth and stability.