LIBREVILLE, Gabon — 2026-02-22 (AGP) – Estelle Blanche Lepanda has been elected as the new Secretary-General of the Gabonese Confederation of Trade Unions (COSYGA), marking a significant milestone in the national labor movement, according to the Gabonese Press Agency. Lepanda’s election follows the statutory congress of COSYGA, which took place from February 20 to 21. Her selection signifies a career dedicated to defending workers’rights, fostering social dialogue, and promoting female leadership within the labor movement.
Born on July 29, 1981, and a Gabonese national, Lepanda has over 15 years of syndicalist experience.
A committed advocate, she has been recognized for her rigorous approach, sense of duty, and pursuit of collaborative solutions in an ever — changing social and economic landscape. Lepanda has worked at Africa Global Logistics (formerly Bolloré) since March 1, 2007, progressing from assistant to technical support manager, providing her with in-depth knowledge of the labor world.
Her professional journey includes key roles such as General Treasurer of the USTZPMG since 2013, focal point of the International Transport Workers’Federation (ITF) in Gabon, and Secretary-General of the SYNAS-AGL since 2018.
Lepanda has also served as president of the ITF Gabon Women and as a member of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) board of directors from 2016 to 2022, representing workers. Since 2023, she has led the COSYGA Women’s Committee and sits on the CSI-Africa Women’s Committee.
In 2024, she was elected to the ITF Warehouse-Distribution-Logistics Committee. Lepanda has been a recognized figure in social dialogue, contributing to the drafting of the collective agreement for the laguno-fluvial maritime sector, participating in national social forums, and helping establish the salary scale for AGL Gabon. Her work has been marked by her support of workers, social mediation, and awareness campaigns, always with a sense of responsibility and unity.
Her commitment extends internationally, with numerous trainings and participation in labor meetings organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its partners. Holding several certificates in international labor standards, non-discrimination, social protection, and female leadership, she has attended conferences and congresses in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Lepanda’s election as COSYGA’s leader is expected to usher in a new era for the confederation, focusing on modernizing syndicalism, strengthening solidarity, and enhancing social dialogue.
Her leadership is anticipated to further cement the union’s role as a central actor in Gabon’s social and economic development. Further details are expected as the new leadership takes shape and outlines its agenda for the coming years.
