Zita Nyangui Oligui Nguema
Writing
Zita Oligui Nguema
Full Name: Zita Nyangui Oligui Nguema
Native Name: Zita Nyangui Oligui Nguema
Role: First Lady of Gabon
Spouse: Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema
Children: Information not publicly confirmed
Nationality: Gabonese
Years Active as First Lady: 30 August 2023–present
Introduction
As the wife of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Zita Oligui Nguema serves as the First Lady of the Gabonese Republic. She first became First Lady following her husband’s rise to power in August 2023 and continued in the role after his election as President in 2025. She has since emerged as a prominent humanitarian figure, combining public representation with a strong commitment to vulnerable communities, women, and young people.
Born and raised in Libreville, Zita Oligui Nguema built a professional career in Gabonese customs before entering the national spotlight. Her background in public administration and her involvement in associations supporting military families helped prepare her for a public role centered on community service.
Today, she is particularly known for her humanitarian work through the Ma Bannière Foundation, which focuses on education, youth reintegration, healthcare, drug-prevention efforts, and assistance to vulnerable groups.
Official Title: First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
As the spouse of the President of the Gabonese Republic, Zita Oligui Nguema serves as the nation’s First Lady.
Although the position does not carry constitutional political authority, she performs important ceremonial, diplomatic, and humanitarian responsibilities. She accompanies the President during state visits and official engagements, participates in national events, and represents Gabon alongside other African First Ladies at international gatherings.
Her public role places particular emphasis on social welfare, youth development, women’s empowerment, and support for vulnerable citizens.
Early Life
Zita Oligui Nguema was born Zita Nyangui on 25 September 1978 in Libreville, Gabon.
She completed her secondary education in Libreville before continuing her studies in Morocco. She obtained a master’s-level qualification in plant biology and later completed postgraduate training in customs at the Customs Training Centre in Casablanca in 2005.
Her scientific and administrative education provided the foundation for a professional career that would take her into Gabon’s customs administration.
Professional Career
Zita Oligui Nguema joined the Gabonese Customs Administration in 2006. In 2007, she was assigned to the Central Office at Libreville’s international airport as a central inspector.
She later served in Senegal in connection with her husband’s posting and subsequently returned to Gabon, where she continued her customs career. By July 2023, she was serving as a Principal Customs Inspector.
Her professional background makes her First Ladyship distinctive, as she entered the national spotlight with an established career of her own.
Family Life
Zita Oligui Nguema is married to Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who became Gabon’s transitional leader in 2023 and was subsequently elected President in 2025.
The couple have maintained much of their private family life away from the public spotlight. Zita has nevertheless remained a visible source of support for her husband during his political career and major diplomatic engagements.
Becoming First Lady
Zita Oligui Nguema became First Lady on 30 August 2023, following Brice Oligui Nguema’s assumption of leadership after the overthrow of President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Her role continued after her husband won the April 2025 presidential election and was inaugurated as President of the Republic. She has since accompanied him on official international visits, including diplomatic trips across Africa and to France.
Public Role
As First Lady, Zita Oligui Nguema has developed a strong humanitarian profile.
Through the Ma Bannière Foundation, she works with young people experiencing hardship or drug addiction, with initiatives covering education, vocational training, medical assistance, reintegration, prevention, and support for vulnerable groups.
She has also supported maternal health initiatives, including the distribution of childbirth kits, assistance to children with hearing impairments, youth reintegration, and campaigns addressing drug misuse among students.
Her advocacy extends to women’s rights and peacebuilding, including calls for greater participation by women in peace processes in Central Africa.
A Symbol of Humanitarian Service
Zita Oligui Nguema has developed a public identity centered less on political influence and more on practical humanitarian action.
Her professional experience, community involvement, and work with young people have helped shape a First Ladyship focused on empowerment and social inclusion. She has become increasingly visible at national events and alongside other African First Ladies, representing Gabon in regional and international humanitarian forums.
Legacy in Progress
Having served as First Lady since 2023, Zita Oligui Nguema is still building her legacy.
Her work through the Ma Bannière Foundation and her advocacy for women, children, young people, healthcare, education, and vulnerable communities have established humanitarian service as the defining feature of her public role.
As Gabon enters a new political era, Zita Oligui Nguema continues to represent the country alongside President Brice Oligui Nguema, bringing a combination of professional experience, social advocacy, and compassion to the role of First Lady.
- 25 September 1978
- Gobon
- Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema
- 30 August 2023-present
