Thursday November 21, 2024, the President of the Transition Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema summoned his ministers Gilles Nembé (Minister of Mines), Charles Mba (Minister of Budget and Public Accounts) and Mays Mouissi (Minister of the Economy and Participations) to ensure transparency in the exploitation, production and revenues of gold and diamonds in the country’s official statistics.
Who is Gilles Nembe, the minister who manages this department which also oversees the Equatorial Mines Company?
Appointed head of the Department of Mines during the government reshuffle on January 17, Minister Gilles Nembe took office on Tuesday January 23, 2024 during a ceremony chaired by the Deputy Secretary General of the Government, Gladys Peggy Obone Owoula.
Aged 53, this member of the Government comes with extensive experience accumulated in the private sector, particularly in the field of copper, gold and zinc mining. He cut his teeth at Comilog, where he worked as head of management and deposits, from 1991 to 1997.
He then left Comilog to pursue studies at HEC-Paris, where he graduated in 1999. There followed a period of 11 years during which, within the Cisco company, he was in turn Head of Products, Sales Director and Strategy Director. During this period, it will deploy telecommunications systems in the Middle East.
After his time as Vice-President at Viadeo Paris, he decided to found the company Skopeo. At the same time, he will be a private investor and Advisor to Bessa Benna Ventures.
The new member of the Government returned to Gabon in August 2019, where he will be promoted to Operations Director at Eramet-Comilog, before being called upon to serve the State in April 2022 as General Director of the Société de Digital Infrastructure Heritage (SPIN).
As part of his other commitments, he will be responsible and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SING SA, OKOUME CAPITAL SA and ACE Gabon.
On January 17, 2024, a new chapter opened in the professional career of Gilles NEMBE, because the President of the Transition, Brigadier General Brice-Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, entrusted him with responsibility for the Ministry of Mines, with the aim of contribute to the development of the State and use Mines as a lever for the construction of community infrastructure (roads, water, energy, and reduction in the cost of living), while contributing to the reduction the cost of aggregates (sand, gravel).
Carl Nsitou and Ministry of Mines
2024-11-23 14:28:00
#Biography #Gilles #Nembé #responsible #including #gold #diamond #production #national #statistics
How does Minister Gilles Nembe plan to attract investment in Gabon’s mining industry while ensuring local community benefits?
**Interview with Gilles Nembe: Minister of Mines, Gabon**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Nembe. As the Minister of Mines in Gabon, you have a crucial role, especially with the recent focus on transparency in the exploitation of natural resources. Can you share the context behind the recent meeting summoned by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on November 21, 2024?
**Gilles Nembe**: Thank you for having me. The meeting with President Oligui Nguema was significant because it highlighted our government’s commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in the mining sector. We are particularly focusing on the management of gold and diamonds, ensuring that our official statistics reflect accurate data on production and revenues. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance governance and attract investment in the sector.
**Interviewer**: Your appointment followed a government reshuffle earlier this year. What are some of the immediate challenges you’ve faced since taking office?
**Gilles Nembe**: Indeed, I was appointed in January 2024, and I inherited several challenges. The main issues have been establishing effective regulatory frameworks and improving infrastructure to facilitate mining operations. Additionally, fostering partnerships with private investors while ensuring that local communities benefit from these activities has been a priority. We are currently in the process of reforming the mining code to make the sector more appealing to investors [[1](https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2024/07/18/libreville-set-to-reform-mining-code,110269599-bre)].
**Interviewer**: Can you tell us more about the reforms to the mining code that you mentioned? What specific changes are you envisioning?
**Gilles Nembe**: We are launching a comprehensive review of the current mining code with the goal of simplifying regulations, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and enhancing the clarity of legal frameworks. We aim to make it easier for companies to operate in Gabon, which will require drafting a five-year development plan for the mining sector[[1](https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-africa/2024/07/18/libreville-set-to-reform-mining-code,110269599-bre)].
**Interviewer**: With your background in the mining sector and experience in the telecommunications industry, how do you plan to leverage this expertise for the benefit of Gabon’s mining resources?
**Gilles Nembe**: My experience in both sectors has taught me the importance of strategic planning and technological integration. In mining, we must adopt innovative technologies to enhance productivity and safety. Moreover, my understanding of project management and stakeholder engagement will help in making the mining sector in Gabon more efficient and sustainable. Bridging these sectors presents an opportunity for us to modernize our approaches and increase our competitiveness on the global stage.
**Interviewer**: what message do you have for potential investors looking at Gabon’s mining industry?
**Gilles Nembe**: Gabon presents an exciting opportunity for mining investors. With our ongoing reforms, increased transparency, and a focus on sustainable practices, we are ready to welcome partnerships that will lead to mutual benefits. We are committed to ensuring that investments not only yield economic returns but also contribute positively to our communities and environment. Together, we can realize the potential of Gabon’s rich natural resources.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Minister Nembe, for your insights and commitment to transforming Gabon’s mining sector.
**Gilles Nembe**: Thank you for having me. I look forward to what the future holds for Gabon’s mining industry.
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