Gabon names Professor Marcelle Ibinga Épse Itsitsa Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts
Gabon has appointed Professor Marcelle Ibinga Épse Itsitsa as Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts in a cabinet unveiled on 1 January 2026 by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The reshuffle, forming a 31‑member government, follows late 2025 legislative and local elections and aligns with priorities to diversify the economy and drive sustainable growth.
Ibinga Épse Itsitsa will lead efforts to develop tourism sustainably and strengthen the handicrafts sector, leveraging Gabon’s biodiversity, protected forests, national parks, coastline and cultural heritage to create jobs and attract higher‑value travel. She pledged close collaboration with public and private stakeholders to build inclusive, value‑creating tourism, and brings prior cabinet experience in the public service alongside an academic background.
Source: VoyagesAfriq
