The First Lady of Gabon, Zita Oligui Nguema, recently visited the rural town of Mebane-Endama in the Woleu-Ntem province, where she announced a new initiative aimed at empowering rural women. On September 23, 2026, she met with a large gathering of women from the canton of Woleu, who had come to hear her address. The First Lady was warmly received by the crowd, and she took the opportunity to unveil a project called "Transfert", which aims to provide training and support to rural women.
The "Transfert" program will select 50 women from the Woleu-Ntem region, out of a total of 100 women from across the country, to participate in a training and accompaniment program aimed at promoting their autonomy. The program will be led by Danielle, an expert in banking and finance. The First Lady emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader effort to empower women in Gabon, particularly in rural areas.
During her visit, Zita Oligui Nguema also announced other projects aimed at revitalizing and boosting the agricultural sector in Gabon. She visited a 2-hectare cocoa plantation owned by Agathe Okomo Assoumou in Mebane-Endama, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting rural development. The First Lady was accompanied by a delegation, including Flore Andjoua, who expressed gratitude for the visit and the direct contact with the women of the Septentrion region.
The visit was also an opportunity for local leaders and representatives to present their concerns and requests to the First Lady. Magloire Mve Edzang, the village chief of Mebane-Endama 1, Véronique Eyuimane Mezui, representing the women, and Thiburce Obiang Ondo, representing the men, all expressed their hopes for development and support. Some also called for the renovation of local religious buildings.
The "Transfert" program is part of a broader effort to promote women's empowerment and autonomy in Gabon. According to the First Lady, the program will provide training and support to help women become more independent and self-sufficient. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of rural women in the Woleu-Ntem region.
The visit by Zita Oligui Nguema was widely welcomed by the local population, who appreciated her direct engagement with them. The First Lady's initiative is seen as a positive step towards addressing the challenges faced by rural women in Gabon. The government is expected to provide further support for the program, which is expected to be launched in the coming months.
The Oyem region has been a focus of development initiatives in recent years, with efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The "Transfert" program is part of a broader strategy to promote economic growth and social development in the region. Key points:
Key points
- 50 rural women from Woleu-Ntem to benefit from training program
- Program aims to promote women's autonomy and self-sufficiency
- Initiative part of broader effort to support rural development in Gabon
