Gabon has turned to a familiar figure in its sporting community to lead a revival of its national sports programs. Mr. Paul Ulrich Kessany, a 40-year-old former captain of the Gabon national football team, has been named the country’s new Minister of Sports.
The official appointment was announced by the Agence Gabonaise de Presse and took effect on January 1, 2026. This change in leadership follows a difficult period for Gabonese sports, most notably the early exit of the national football team from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. That tournament result led to the disbandment of the team’s technical staff and sidelined star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Mr. Kessany is not new to sports administration. Before this appointment, he served as a Special Advisor and led the Sport and Culture Department within the Gabonese presidency. Government officials state that they hope his deep experience as both a player and an administrator will breathe new life into the nation’s sports infrastructure and help improve overall performance.
While the government has not yet released the new minister’s detailed plans, it is widely expected that his focus will be on foundational improvements. These are likely to include upgrading training facilities across the country, creating stronger support systems for young athletes, and seeking partnerships with the private sector to fund sports development.
The government has indicated that further details on Minister Kessany’s strategy and the goals for his ministry will be shared in the coming weeks. For now, his appointment marks step as Gabon seeks to rebuild and strengthen its sporting future.