President appoints new Finance Minister

Gabon’s President has appointed Thierry Minko as Minister of Economy, Finance, Debt and State Holdings in a 1 January Cabinet reshuffle, marking a new phase after the country’s political transition, reports Ecofin Agency. Minko replaces Henri-Claude Oyima, a prominent banking executive who joined the government in May 2025. The appointment comes amid high public expectations on economic management and the rising cost of living, as authorities say they want to tighten oversight of public finances and restore confidence. Minko will head one of the government’s most powerful and wide-ranging portfolios, overseeing economic policy, budget preparation and execution, public debt management and state shareholdings. The Ministry is also responsible for curbing rising prices, a political priority as households face declining purchasing power. The Presidency said the reshuffle was designed to create a streamlined government focused on efficiency and institutional stability following the transition that began with the August 2023 change of power. Authorities say the new team will now prioritise economic recovery, fiscal sustainability and restoring the country’s financial credibility. The new government comprises 31 members and features an unusual institutional structure, with President Brice Oligui Nguema also serving as head of government.