Gabon’s newly inaugurated President, Brice Oligui Nguema, has appointed Henri-Claude Oyima, a prominent banker and business leader, as the Minister of State for Economy, Finance, and Debt. This move comes as part of Nguema’s broader strategy to address the country’s severe liquidity shortage and boost economic recovery.
Oyima, who serves as the CEO of Gabon’s largest bank, BGFI Bank, and leads the Gabonese Confederation of Businesses, will play a pivotal role in stabilizing the country’s finances, which have been under strain due to fluctuating oil prices and the nation’s reliance on the oil sector. The country has been facing financial instability, and Nguema’s administration is prioritizing reforms to diversify the economy and ensure sustainable growth.
In his inaugural address, Nguema emphasized plans to strengthen key sectors, including agriculture, industry, and tourism, to reduce Gabon’s dependence on oil exports. He also made a firm commitment to tackling corruption, which has hindered the country’s development for decades.
Oyima, a leading figure in Gabon’s financial sector, could not be reached for comment at the time of the announcement. His appointment is seen as a critical step in the government’s efforts to restore investor confidence and address the country’s pressing economic challenges.
Before his election, Nguema seized power in a military coup in 2023, ending the Bongo family’s long-standing rule in Gabon. His government’s focus on economic reform, coupled with a drive for political renewal, marks a significant shift in the Central African nation’s trajectory.