H.E Alcide Ponga

Alcide Ponga, 49, is a French politician of Kanak origin. Born into a Protestant family involved in local politics for several generations, is well known for their commitment and support for New Caledonia to remain within France. 

Elected as the Mayor of Kouaoua Town on the East coast of New Caledonia since 2014, he resigned recently when nominated as president of the government. In 2019, he was elected as a member of the Northern Province Assembly and elected as president of his political party Le Rassemblement in April 2024.

M. Ponga holds a Master’s degree in political science and spent his professional career in the nickel mining industry where he held executive management positions with La Société Le Nickel (2001-2010), then as director of external affairs and institutional relations at Koniambo Nickel SAS from 2010 to 2024.

Alcide Ponga was elected as president of the 18th government of New Caledonia since the Noumea Accord in 1998, in January 2025.