AGP Executive Report

Parliament and Budget: The Senate has set a 13-item agenda for its session opening October 15, including the 2027 finance bill and treaties on higher-education qualifications and transnational crime. The draft budget forecasts 6.9% growth, driven partly by oil. Youth Enterprise: The EU has opened applications for a competition offering young Congolese entrepreneurs cash prizes of up to 4.5 million CFA francs and six months of coaching. Oil and Economy: Congo’s average crude price for the third quarter was set at $91.51 a barrel, while oil firm Trident OGX says it aims to increase output sharply over the next two years. Environment: Satellite analysis recorded 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely originating from offshore platforms outside the protected area. Debt and Politics: Moody’s gave Congo a positive outlook, but the World Bank still lists it among countries facing acute debt vulnerabilities. Opposition figure Mathias Dzon has called for inclusive national dialogue.

Senate Session: Congo’s Senate opens its three-month budget session on October 15 with a 13-item agenda, including the finance bill and treaties on recognising higher-education qualifications and fighting organised crime. Youth Enterprise: The EU has opened a competition offering 12 young founders prizes of up to 4.5 million CFA francs, while 24 entrepreneurs will receive six months of training and coaching. Oil and Public Finances: Congo’s average oil price reached $91.51 a barrel in the third quarter. The 2027 budget assumes $71 oil and forecasts 6.9% growth, with production expected to reach 112 million barrels. Marine Protection: A satellite study recorded 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely drifting from offshore platforms. Debt Outlook: Moody’s gave Congo a positive outlook, but the World Bank still lists it among countries facing acute debt vulnerabilities.

Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given the Republic of Congo a positive outlook, citing regional reforms, commodity strength and improved financing access. But the World Bank still lists Congo among countries facing acute debt vulnerabilities. Political Dialogue: Opposition leader Mathias Dzon is urging an inclusive national dialogue to address what his party calls a deep social crisis. Marine Protection: A SkyTruth analysis recorded 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely drifting from offshore platforms. 2027 Budget: The government forecasts 6.9% growth, supported by oil output of 112 million barrels, and projects public debt to fall to 80.9% of GDP. Oil Expansion: Congolese oil executive Lucien Ebata says Trident OGX aims to lift production from 2,500 barrels a day to as much as 50,000 within two years. Vaccination: Gavi has asked the Senate to back a substantial 2027 budget allocation for vaccines.

Oil Pollution: A SkyTruth analysis found 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres inside the waters of Conkouati-Douli National Park from 2022 to 2025. The pollution likely came from offshore platforms outside the protected area, threatening marine wildlife. Political Dialogue: Opposition leader Mathias Dzon is calling for an inclusive national dialogue to address what his party describes as a social crisis, and is considering legal action. Congo-Mozambique Ties: Agreements signed during President Daniel Chapo’s visit aim to turn longstanding political ties into business cooperation, including in hydrocarbons, forestry, fisheries and small businesses. Oil Output: Congolese tycoon Lucien Ebata says Trident OGX plans to raise production from about 2,500 barrels a day to as much as 50,000, with growth tied to the Mengo field. 2027 Budget: The government forecasts 6.9% growth, backed by oil production of 112 million barrels, and expects public debt to fall as a share of GDP. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has placed Congo among eight sub-Saharan African countries with a positive outlook, while warning that debt and revenue pressures remain across the region.

Credit Outlook: Moody’s has moved its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, naming the Republic of Congo among eight countries with a positive outlook as reforms and commodity strength support the region. Oil Expansion: Congolese billionaire Lucien Ebata says Trident OGX aims to lift production from about 2,500 barrels a day to as much as 50,000 within two years, with the Mengo field central to its plans. AfroCan Qualifier: Congo is competing with Cameroon and Gabon in Douala from October 10 to 12 for a place at the 2027 AfroCan in Rwanda. 2027 Budget: The government’s draft finance bill forecasts 6.9% growth next year, with oil output expected to reach 112 million barrels; the bill now goes to Parliament. Vaccination: Gavi has urged Senate President Pierre Ngolo to back a substantial vaccine-procurement allocation in the 2027 budget to help immunise more children.

Oil Expansion: Congolese tycoon Lucien Ebata says Trident OGX plans to raise output from about 2,500 barrels a day to 45,000–50,000 within two years, with the Mengo field central to the push. Basketball: Congo is competing with Cameroon and Gabon in Douala for a place in the 2027 AfroCan. Currency: Five older CFA franc coin series lose legal-tender status across the region on November 1; holders will have a year to exchange them, though locations and procedures are still to be announced. Port Investment: Concrete work is complete on Pointe-Noire’s new 750-metre quay, designed to accommodate the world’s largest container ships; equipment installation comes next. Budget: The government’s 2027 draft budget forecasts 6.9% growth, supported by oil output projected at 112 million barrels, and a lower public-debt ratio. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given Congo a positive outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices, while warning that debt costs and limited revenues remain risks. Public Health: A UN report says authorities seized 251 tonnes of illicit medicines across six Central African countries from 2020 to 2025, warning of treatment failures and avoidable deaths.

AfroCan Qualifiers: The Republic of Congo is competing with Cameroon and Gabon in Douala for a place at the 2027 FIBA AfroCan in Rwanda. Currency: Five older CFA franc coin series will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC, including Congo, on November 1; holders will have a one-year exchange period, with arrangements still to come. Port Expansion: Concrete work is complete on Pointe-Noire’s new 750-metre quay, designed for the world’s largest container ships. Equipment installation is next. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given Congo a positive outlook alongside seven other African countries, citing reforms, stronger commodity prices and better financing access, while warning that debt and revenue risks persist. 2027 Budget: The government forecasts 6.9% growth, driven mainly by oil production of 112 million barrels, and projects public debt to fall to 80.9% of GDP. Public Health: A UN report says at least 251 tonnes of medicines were seized across six Central African countries, including Congo, from 2020 to 2025, warning that illicit and counterfeit drugs can cause treatment failures and deaths.

AfroCan Qualifier: The Republic of Congo is competing with Cameroon and Gabon in Douala from October 10–12 for a place in the 2027 FIBA AfroCan in Rwanda. 2027 Budget: The government’s draft budget forecasts 6.9% growth, driven largely by oil production, and a fall in public debt from 88.6% to 80.9% of GDP; Parliament will review the bill. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given Congo a positive sovereign outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices. It is not a credit-rating upgrade, and debt risks remain. Pointe-Noire Port: Concrete work is complete on a new 750-metre quay designed for the world’s largest container ships. Equipment and final preparations remain before it opens. CFA Coins: Older coin series lose legal-tender status across CEMAC on November 1, with a one-year exchange period planned; exchange locations are still to be announced.

2027 Budget: Congo’s draft budget forecasts 6.9% growth, driven by oil production of 112 million barrels and activity beyond the oil sector. The bill also projects public debt falling from 88.6% to 80.9% of GDP and now goes to Parliament. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given the Republic of Congo a positive outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices—but this is not a credit-rating upgrade, and debt risks remain. Currency: Five older CFA franc coin series lose legal-tender status across CEMAC on November 1; holders will have a year to exchange them, though locations and procedures are still to be announced. Pointe-Noire Port: Concrete work is complete on a new 750-metre quay designed for the world’s largest container ships. Equipment and utilities must be installed before it opens. Public Health: A UN report warns that trafficking in counterfeit, unapproved and diverted medicines threatens Central Africa; authorities seized at least 251 tonnes across six CEMAC countries from 2020 to 2025. Biodiversity Funding: Congo has launched a project to develop a financing plan for its 2025–2030 biodiversity strategy, with UNDP and Global Environment Facility support.

Credit Outlook: Moody’s gave the Republic of Congo a positive sovereign outlook, citing reforms, stronger commodity prices and improved access to financing. It is not a rating upgrade; high debt costs and weak public revenues remain risks. Currency: Five older CFA-franc coin series will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC countries on November 1. Holders will have a one-year exchange period, though locations and procedures are still to be announced. 2027 Budget: Cabinet approved a draft budget forecasting 6.9% growth, with oil production of 112 million barrels and a projected drop in public debt from 88.6% to 80.9% of GDP. Parliament will review the bill. Pointe-Noire Port: Concrete work on a new 750-metre quay is complete. The berth is designed for the world’s largest container ships, with equipment installation next. Agriculture: Senegalese poultry group Sedima plans to invest 20.47 billion CFA francs in an integrated farm and poultry complex in Pool, producing crops and chicken for the local market.

Pointe-Noire Port: Concrete work is complete on a new 750-metre quay at Môle Est. Once equipped, its 17-metre depth and two berths are designed to handle the world’s largest container ships. 2027 Budget: The government is forecasting 6.9% growth, with oil production of 112 million barrels, and says public debt will fall from 88.6% to 80.9% of GDP. Parliament will consider the draft bill. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has shifted its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, naming the Republic of Congo among eight countries with positive outlooks. The agency still warns of heavy debt costs and weak revenues across the region. Public Health: A UN report says at least 251 tonnes of medicines were seized across six Central African countries, including Congo, from 2020 to 2025. Trafficked and counterfeit drugs can cause treatment failures and deaths. Human Rights: The Congolese Human Rights Observatory says it has documented 561 alleged disappearances linked to the “Zéro Kuluna” security operation and is calling for investigations.

Pointe-Noire Port: Concrete work is complete on a 750-metre quay at Môle Est. Once equipped, the expanded port will have two berths designed for the world’s largest container ships. 2027 Budget: The government is forecasting 6.9% growth, driven by oil production of 112 million barrels and activity beyond the oil sector. It projects public debt falling from 88.6% to 80.9% of GDP. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given sub-Saharan Africa a positive outlook, with the Republic of Congo among eight countries in the group. The agency still flags high debt costs and weak public revenues as risks. Industry and Jobs: Congo and Italy are exploring cooperation on special economic zones, industrial value chains and workforce training. Separately, Senegalese firm Sedima plans a $35 million integrated poultry and farming complex in Pool, including an annual target of 2,200 tonnes of chicken. Public Health: A UN report says authorities seized 251 tonnes of illicit medicines across six Central African countries, including Congo, from 2020 to 2025, warning that unsafe and diverted drugs can cause treatment failures and deaths.

Credit Outlook: Moody’s has upgraded its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, naming the Republic of Congo among eight rated countries with that outlook. It expects regional growth of 4.3% in 2026 and 2027, but warns that debt costs and weak public revenues remain risks. Industrial Development: A Brazzaville seminar on special economic zones is bringing Congolese and Italian officials and businesses together to explore industrial cooperation, investment and workforce training. Public Health: A UN-backed report says at least 251 tonnes of medicines were seized across six Central African countries, including Congo, from 2020 to 2025. Trafficked and counterfeit drugs can cause treatment failures, poisoning and avoidable deaths. Human Rights: The Congolese Human Rights Observatory says it has documented 561 people missing after arrests linked to the “Zéro Kuluna” security operation and is calling for answers and independent investigations. Investment: Senegalese poultry group Sedima plans a $35 million integrated farming and poultry complex in the Pool department, with annual production targets including 2,200 tonnes of chicken.

Economic Outlook: Moody’s raised its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, citing reforms and stronger commodity prices, but warned that heavy debt costs and climate risks remain. The World Bank forecasts regional growth of 4.3% in 2026 and says hydrocarbon exporters, including the Republic of Congo, are benefiting from higher oil earnings. Industrial Investment: Officials from Congo and Italy met in Brazzaville to explore cooperation on special economic zones, industrial value chains and workforce training. Separately, Senegalese poultry group Sedima plans a $35 million integrated farming complex in Pool, producing crops and chicken. Public Health: A UN report warns that illicit medicine markets threaten Central Africa. Authorities seized at least 251 tonnes of medicines across six countries, including Congo, from 2020 to 2025; the trade can lead to treatment failures and avoidable deaths. Rights Concerns: Congolese rights group OCDH says it has documented 561 people missing after arrests linked to the “Zéro Kuluna” security operation and is calling for investigations and prosecutions. Biodiversity: Congo has launched work on a financing plan to help pay for its 2025–2030 national biodiversity strategy. Wildlife: A rescued baby gorilla, Bili, has been returned to the Tchimpounga reserve near Pointe-Noire after DNA testing confirmed her Congolese origin.

Human Rights & Security: Congo-Brazzaville’s human rights observatory says enforced disappearances linked to the DGSP’s “Zéro Kuluna” operation have reached 561 documented cases, urging names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Public Health: A UN report warns that medicine trafficking across CEMAC is a major threat, citing at least 251 tonnes of seized medicines from 2020-2025 in Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, with counterfeit and diverted drugs fueling treatment failures and avoidable deaths. Economy & Investment: A Brazzaville seminar compares Italian and Congolese special economic zones, aiming to unlock new industrial cooperation and investment pathways. Wildlife Protection: Nigeria’s Customs Service completed a full-cycle operation repatriating a rescued baby gorilla, “Bili,” back to Congo-Brazzaville’s Tchimpounga reserve, with DHL logistics support. Business & Industry: Sedima plans a $35m integrated poultry and feed complex in Congo’s Pool department, targeting large-scale corn, soy and broiler production. Diplomacy & Community: Congo’s consular team in Lyon held citizen consultations on passports and consular services, including a “mbongui” with the diaspora.

Medicines Crackdown in CEMAC: The UN, WHO and CEMAC warn that medicine trafficking is a major public health threat across Central Africa, driven by shortages and high prices. Between 2020 and 2025, authorities seized at least 251 tonnes of medicines in Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, including counterfeit and unapproved drugs—fueling treatment failures, poisonings and avoidable deaths. Local Industry & Investment Links: A two-day seminar in Brazzaville compares Italian and Congolese approaches to special economic zones, aiming to unlock new industrial cooperation and investment. Economy Outlook: The World Bank lifted its 2026 Sub-Saharan Africa growth forecast by 0.3 points to 4.3%, citing stronger performance and reforms, while warning jobs and living standards remain a challenge. Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria’s customs repatriated the rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to Congo, with DHL supporting the cross-border logistics to Tchimpounga. Human Rights Pressure: Congo’s human rights observatory says 561 people have disappeared after arrests linked to “Zéro Kuluna,” calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions.