AGP Executive Report

Energy & Investment: The Republic of Congo is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027, aiming to position Brazzaville as a regional hub for oil and gas deal-making, with participation expected from major international institutions and energy ministers. Mining Policy: At the Mining on Top Africa (MOTA) 2026 Summit in Paris, Congo’s mining leadership pushed for “priority projects” not to be held back by funding failures, while balancing sovereignty with investor confidence. China-Congo Cooperation: A Vice Foreign Minister of China met Congo’s ambassador in Beijing, highlighting plans to deepen ties in energy, minerals, and infrastructure under the zero-tariff framework. Agribusiness Digitization: E-AgriBusiness, a digital platform built for agricultural value chains and deployed across Central Africa including the Republic of Congo, was recognized for innovation in regional hackathons. Oil Refining Spillover: Dangote’s $17bn, 700,000 bpd refinery project in Kenya continues to draw regional attention, with Congo-linked industry visits underscoring wider East and Central African energy integration.

Energy & Investment: The Republic of Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027 in Brazzaville, aiming to pull in global oil and gas investors and regional energy ministers to accelerate deals and upstream and LNG-linked projects. Mining Policy: At the Mining on Top Africa (MOTA) 2026 Summit in Paris, Congo’s mining leadership pushed for “priority projects” not to be held back by financing failures, while discussing how African states can grow local value without scaring off capital. China-Congo Ties: China’s vice foreign minister met Congo’s ambassador to China, highlighting cooperation in energy, minerals and infrastructure under the zero-tariff push. Agribusiness Digitisation: A digital agriculture platform, E-AgriBusiness, is reported as already deployed in the Republic of Congo, using web/mobile/USSD/SMS tools to connect value-chain players. Sports & Local Industry Angle: Konkola Blades (Zambia) announced new signings led by Congolese forward Idris Mbombo, underscoring regional talent flows.

Mining Policy: The Mining on Top Africa (MOTA) 2026 Summit opened in Paris with African ministers, investors and industry leaders pushing a “middle-ground” on mining sovereignty—protecting legal stability while demanding more local value, with Congo’s mining minister warning priority projects can’t be held hostage by funding failures. Energy Deal-Making: Brazzaville is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in 2027, aiming to position the country as a hub for cross-border energy investment and LNG-linked growth. China-Congo Ties: A Vice Foreign Minister meeting in China reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation with the Republic of the Congo on energy, minerals and infrastructure under the zero-tariff push. Critical Minerals Supply: A new report outlines how the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative is being operationalised to reduce dependence on ex-China supply chains. Oil Refining Expansion: Dangote says preliminary works are underway for a $17bn, 700,000 bpd refinery in Kenya, with Congo’s national oil company delegation involved in talks in Lagos.

Energy & Investment: The Republic of Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in June 2027 at Kintélé, aiming to pull in global investors and energy ministers to accelerate deals across oil and gas, including LNG momentum. Oil & Refining: Dangote Industries says its planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will process 700,000 barrels per day, as part of a 2.1 million bpd total refining plan, with a Congo national oil company delegation involved in talks. Public Finance Reform: A World Bank report urges structural reforms in Central African public finances, highlighting low domestic revenue mobilization and a heavy wage bill that limits investment capacity—key context for regional development planning. Health Security: A learning resource package and e-learning modules were launched to strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance and response using a One Health approach. Mining/Industry Outlook: Congo cobalt exporters are reportedly worried about losing quotas due to an administrative glitch, raising supply and production uncertainty for the sector. Governance & Enforcement: Criminal Investigation Services presented suspects accused of serious crimes in Luanda, underscoring ongoing security and rule-of-law enforcement in the region.

Energy & Refining: Dangote Industries says it will build a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Kenya, lifting its planned total refining capacity to 2.1 million bpd across Africa, with a Congo national oil company delegation visiting the Lagos plant ahead of the East Africa push. Mining & Commodities: A copper/cobalt outlook piece says Congo faces no major threat from the Middle East crisis to output, while another report notes cobalt exporters worry about quota disruptions tied to an administrative glitch. Health Security: India’s Health Ministry launched an e-learning and learning resource package to strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance and response under a One Health approach. Digital Regulation: Nigeria’s president ordered the FCCPC to investigate Meta, Google, X and some AI platforms over alleged exploitation of Nigerian media content—an action that could ripple across regional media and advertising markets. Aviation: Sierra Leone’s passenger growth contrasts with a World Bank Tourism Watch note that Gabon and the Republic of Congo saw estimated aviation passenger arrivals fall.

Energy & Mining Outlook: Congo’s copper and cobalt production faces no major threat from the Middle East crisis, with miners citing long-term supply contracts, inventories, and regional chemical sourcing to limit disruption risk. Oil & Refining Partnerships: Dangote Industries says its East African refinery in Kenya will process 700,000 barrels per day, lifting combined refining capacity to 2.1 million bpd, and the plan was discussed during a visit by the Republic of Congo national oil company delegation. Cobalt Export Risk: Congo cobalt exporters fear losing quotas due to an administrative glitch, according to sources. Power & Industry Finance: Optasia expands beyond consumer lending with a first merchant lending platform, reporting strong growth in Congo-Brazzaville and positioning MSME credit as a new focus. Governance & Public Safety: In Luanda, investigators presented suspects tied to aggravated murder, robbery, sexual assault, and related crimes after a major robbery at Belas’ Gamek area.

Energy Markets: Oil prices slid as a US-Iran peace deal boosted supply expectations, reviving talk of a crude glut and pressuring exporters’ budgets, including Congo’s oil-linked fiscal outlook. Gas Flaring: A World Bank tracker said Nigeria and other top producers drove most global gas flaring in 2025, highlighting wasted energy and rising emissions. Congo Energy Partnership: Dangote Industries says its planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will process 700,000 bpd, and it’s in talks with the Republic of Congo’s national oil company to deepen refining and fuel supply ties. Aviation & Tourism: The World Bank’s Tourism Watch flagged a 15% drop in Republic of Congo estimated aviation passenger arrivals, while nearby markets like Sierra Leone grew fast. Finance for Industry: Optasia is expanding beyond consumer lending into merchant financing for MSMEs, with growth reported in Congo-Brazzaville. Local Business & Construction: Cameroon’s BUNS Construction won a national construction award, underscoring regional infrastructure demand and contractor competition.

Energy & Refining: Dangote Industries says its planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will process 700,000 bpd, alongside 1.4 million bpd in Nigeria, lifting total refining capacity to 2.1 million bpd; the announcement came during a visit by the Republic of Congo national oil company delegation to Dangote’s Lagos refinery. Finance & Business Lending: Optasia is expanding beyond consumer credit with its first merchant lending platform, aiming to close MSME financing gaps; the firm says merchant lending will roll out across its footprint, with Congo-Brazzaville among markets supporting growth. Commodities & Exports: Congo cobalt exporters are worried about missed shipments and quota disruptions after an administrative glitch tied to unused quota withdrawals, with industry sources estimating up to 20,000 tons worth about $1.1bn at current prices. Macroeconomics: BEAC has suspended its special refinancing facility, reflecting a dispute with the IMF over financing the productive economy in CEMAC. Aviation & Tourism: Sierra Leone posted strong passenger growth, while the Republic of Congo saw a 15% decline in estimated aviation arrivals, according to World Bank Tourism Watch data.

Cobalt Export Disruption: Congo cobalt producers are worried about losing export quotas after an administrative glitch, with sources warning of missed shipments and major revenue impact. Oil Price Pressure: Falling crude expectations are squeezing African exporter budgets, including Republic of Congo, as governments built plans on higher oil prices while debt and currency pressures remain high. Energy Partnership Push: Dangote Industries says its planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will process 700,000 barrels per day, as it seeks deeper refining and supply partnerships across Africa—Congo’s national oil company is part of the outreach. Fintech for Industry: Optasia is expanding beyond consumer lending into merchant lending for MSMEs, reporting strong growth and noting Congo-Brazzaville as a key market. Health & Industry Readiness: A rapid antigen test race for Bundibugyo Ebola is down to five manufacturers, aiming for field trials in eastern Congo within weeks to speed diagnosis and containment. Shipping & Offshore Services: A public auction is set for the PSV Bourbon Liberty 152 with a bareboat charter, including current offshore Congo work and detailed vessel specifications.

Construction & Local Industry Recognition: Cameroon’s BUNS Construction won the “Best Construction Company” award at the 23rd Guardian Post Achievement Awards in Ebolowa, praised for international-standard infrastructure delivery and corporate social responsibility. Energy & Regional Finance: A Reuters report says falling oil price expectations are squeezing African crude exporters’ budgets, with Republic of Congo named among those facing weaker energy revenue and tighter financing conditions. Mining & Export Risk: Congo cobalt exporters fear losing quotas after an administrative glitch, with sources warning of missed shipments and disruption to export volumes. Oil & Trade Links: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and SNPC (Congo state oil) are in talks on a strategic partnership to supply refined products, strengthen energy security, and exchange technical know-how. Central Banking Tension: In CEMAC, the IMF and BEAC are clashing over the suspension of BEAC’s special refinancing window meant to fund productive investment, raising questions for regional project financing. Health & Congo Response: A global diagnostics alliance says it has narrowed rapid Ebola test development for the Bundibugyo virus to five manufacturers, targeting field trials in eastern Congo within weeks. Shipping & Offshore Assets: A Shipbid auction announced for the PSV Bourbon Liberty 152 with bareboat charter, currently contracted offshore Congo with a major international oil company.

Cobalt Exports Watch: Congo cobalt producers say export quotas are at risk after an administrative glitch, with sources warning of missed shipments and revenue pressure. Oil Revenue Pressure: Falling oil prices are squeezing African crude-exporter budgets, and Republic of Congo is named among the countries facing weaker fiscal room as debt costs and FX stress persist. Regional Energy Deal: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is in talks with SNPC on a strategic partnership to supply refined products to the Republic of Congo, aiming to strengthen fuel supply and industrial know-how exchange. Ebola Diagnostics Push: A global alliance narrowed the race for a rapid antigen test for Bundibugyo Ebola to five manufacturers, targeting field trials in eastern Congo within weeks to speed up outbreak containment. Nature & Jobs Financing: Africa is being urged to use innovative financing to unlock nature-based solutions for climate resilience and jobs, with calls to move beyond traditional climate funding. Trade Access Move: China’s new tariff waivers grant duty-free access for African exports to 20 developing countries, potentially boosting regional industrial and agricultural sales into the Chinese market.

Oil & Fiscal Pressure: Falling oil price expectations are squeezing African crude exporters’ budgets, with Republic of Congo named among countries exposed to revenue swings as debt costs, currency weakness and spending needs stay high. Cobalt Exports: Congo cobalt exporters fear losing quotas after a new administrative directive on unused quotas could disrupt shipments worth up to $1.1bn. Energy Partnership: Dangote Petroleum Refinery talks with SNPC on a strategic partnership to supply refined products and deepen refining, supply and technical cooperation. Central Banking & Investment: IMF and BEAC clash over BEAC’s special refinancing facility for productive investment, with the IMF pushing for gradual elimination to protect reserves. Health & Industry: A rapid antigen test race for Bundibugyo Ebola narrows to five manufacturers, aiming for field trials in eastern Congo within weeks. Shipping & Offshore Assets: A public auction is set for the PSV Bourbon Liberty 152 with a bareboat charter tied to offshore Congo operations. Nature-Based Finance: Africa is urged to use innovative financing to unlock nature-based solutions for climate resilience, jobs and equity.

Rainforest Finance Watch: Brazil unveiled the Tropical Forest Forever Facility at COP30, but the UK’s stalled pledge and slow donor uptake put the fund’s 2026 target ($10bn) at risk, with Norway’s up-to-$3bn loan disbursement tied to hitting the goal. CEMAC Monetary Policy: The IMF and BEAC are clashing over the suspension of BEAC’s special refinancing window, a tool meant to fund productive investment—raising concerns for regional project financing. Ebola Diagnostics for Congo: A rapid antigen test race for Bundibugyo Ebola has narrowed to five manufacturers, aiming for field trials in eastern Congo within weeks to speed up case detection and containment. Energy Trading Deal: Eni and Mercuria launched a 50-50 energy trading joint venture in Geneva, blending physical flows with trading, logistics and risk management—important for Congo-linked export routes. Fuel Supply Partnership: Dangote Petroleum and SNPC are in talks on a strategic partnership to supply refined products to the Republic of Congo, targeting stronger fuel security and industrial cooperation. Shipping Asset Sale: A bidding notice is out for the PSV “Bourbon Liberty 152” with bareboat charter, currently tied to offshore Congo operations.

Ebola Diagnostics: A global diagnostics alliance says the race to build a rapid antigen test for the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus has narrowed to five manufacturers, with field trials in eastern Congo targeted for weeks and first tests possibly reaching the field by mid-July. Energy & Industry: Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) has started talks with Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals on a strategic partnership to strengthen Republic of Congo supplies of refined petroleum products, covering refining, product supply, energy security, industrial development and knowledge sharing. Energy Trading: Eni and Mercuria unveiled a 50-50 energy trading joint venture in Geneva, aiming to combine physical oil and gas flows with trading, logistics and risk-management to better monetize export streams. Oil Sector Leadership: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga was named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at African Energy Week 2026, recognizing long-term leadership and SNPC’s institutional growth. Nature-Based Climate Jobs: Experts and policymakers urged African governments to scale nature-based solutions for climate resilience, jobs and sustainable development, stressing protection and restoration of forests, wetlands and soils.

Energy & Industry Partnership: Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals have started talks on a long-term strategic partnership to boost the Republic of the Congo’s access to refined petroleum products, strengthen regional energy security, and support industrial development and technical knowledge sharing. Refining Expansion Plans: Dangote says it aims to raise total African refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day—1.4 million in Nigeria and a planned 700,000 in Kenya—alongside an additional $46bn investment across refining, cement and fertiliser between 2026 and 2028. SNPC Leadership Recognition: SNPC Director General Maixent Raoul Ominga was named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at African Energy Week 2026, highlighting his role in expanding SNPC’s influence beyond traditional oil operations.

Energy Deal Watch: SNPC (Republic of Congo’s national oil company) has started talks with Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals in Lagos on a strategic partnership to boost Congo’s access to refined products, strengthen energy security, and deepen industrial cooperation across Africa. Industrial Expansion: Dangote says it plans to lift total refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day (1.4m in Nigeria plus 700,000 bpd in Kenya) and invest an extra $46bn from 2026-2028 across refining, cement and fertiliser—setting the backdrop for the Congo talks. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion quay, installing 558 piles and keeping the project on track for delivery in the first half of 2027 to raise port handling capacity. Mining & Deals: Australia’s Toubani Resources agreed to buy a 19.9% stake in Canada’s Avanti Gold, gaining exposure to Congo’s Misisi gold project. Logistics/Trade: Kore Potash says two parties remain in its formal sale process for the company’s Congo potash assets. Security & Community: Police report largely peaceful conditions during South Africa’s anti-immigrant deadline, with incidents including reported beatings in Yeoville.