AGP Executive Report

Regional Trade: Brazzaville will host the “Sa Zlecaf” forum from Oct. 21 to 23, focusing on women’s participation in continental trade and support for young entrepreneurs. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Constant-Serge Bounda is due to visit China from Oct. 19 to 25 for talks with his Chinese counterpart. Business: Fuel shortages threaten the cash flow of 30.4% of surveyed Congolese businesses, while 43% report added costs; power cuts are worsening the strain. Politics and Health: Minister Pierre Oba has begun consultations with political parties. Health unions called off their strike and returned to work on Oct. 15 after two months of salary payments, but key demands remain unresolved. Environment: A satellite study recorded 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely from nearby offshore platforms. Wildlife: Bili, a gorilla rescued from traffickers in Nigeria, has arrived at Tchimpounga Nature Reserve after three years of rehabilitation.

Wildlife: Bili, a western lowland gorilla rescued from traffickers in Nigeria, has arrived at the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga sanctuary in Congo after three years of rehabilitation. She faces quarantine before meeting another young gorilla. Business: Fuel shortages threaten the cash flow of 30.4% of surveyed Congolese businesses and are adding costs for 43%, with transport, industry and services among the hardest hit. Power cuts are compounding the strain as firms turn to diesel generators. Health: Unions have suspended the nationwide health-sector strike after two months of salary payments and renewed talks with the government. The truce is temporary; key demands remain unresolved. Regional ties: Foreign Minister Constant-Serge Bounda is due to visit China from October 19 to 25. Separately, Congo’s cabinet has approved a bill to waive entry visas for African nationals from January 2027, pending parliamentary approval. Conservation: Satellite monitoring recorded 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely linked to offshore platforms outside the protected area.

Business: Fuel shortages threaten the cash flow of 30.4% of Congolese businesses, while 43% report added costs cutting profits. Diesel scarcity is disrupting transport and generator use, compounding the strain of power outages. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Constant-Serge Bounda is due to visit China from October 19 to 25 at the invitation of Wang Yi. Health: Unions have suspended their strike and called staff back to work after two months of salary payments and renewed talks, but the dispute remains unresolved. Migration: A bill to waive entry visas for African nationals from January 1, 2027, now awaits Parliament’s approval. Environment: A satellite report recorded 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely from offshore platforms nearby. Urban services: Congo and France have discussed sanitation projects and cooperation priorities for the next five years. Trafficking: Police in Nigeria rescued five Congolese nationals suspected of being lured there with promises of work.

Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Constant-Serge Bounda will visit China from October 19 to 25 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Health: Congo’s health unions have suspended their strike after two months of salary payments and a return to talks, but say key demands remain unresolved. Visa Policy: The cabinet has approved a bill to waive entry visas for African nationals from January 1, 2027; Parliament must still pass it. Environment: Satellite analysis found 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely drifting from offshore platforms. Politics: Minister Pierre Oba is meeting opposition parties to promote dialogue, while the Upads has called for moderation and a republican pact. Business: The EU has opened a competition offering young Congolese entrepreneurs cash prizes and six months of support. Public Safety: Police in Nigeria rescued five Congolese nationals suspected of being lured into human trafficking.

Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Constant-Serge Bounda will visit China from October 19 to 25 at Beijing’s invitation, alongside Djibouti’s foreign minister. Political Dialogue: Minister Pierre Oba has begun visits to political parties, including opposition party Upads, to present his new department’s role in promoting dialogue and national cohesion. Health: Unions suspended their strike and sent staff back to work on October 15 after two months of salary payments and renewed talks; their main demands remain unresolved. Travel: The cabinet approved a bill to waive entry visas for African nationals from January 1, 2027, subject to Parliament’s approval. Environment: Satellite analysis found 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely linked to offshore platforms. Citizen Safety: Police in Nigeria rescued five Congolese nationals suspected of being lured into the country by a trafficking suspect.

Political Dialogue: Minister Pierre Oba began a tour of political parties with a visit to opposition group UPADS, which emphasized moderation and called for a republican pact. Health Services: Unions suspended their nationwide strike and told staff to return to work after two months of salaries were paid and government talks resumed; key demands remain unsettled. African Travel: The cabinet approved a bill to waive entry visas for African nationals from January 1, 2027, pending Parliament’s approval. France Partnership: Brazzaville and Paris discussed a five-year cooperation agenda, including sanitation projects and the future upkeep of infrastructure built under the C2D programme. Environment: Satellite analysis found 27 oil slicks, covering 880 square kilometres, in the waters of Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely drifting from offshore platforms nearby. Oil and Economy: Congo set its third-quarter fiscal oil price at $91.51 a barrel, a key benchmark for public revenue.

Health Strike: Congo’s health unions have suspended their nationwide strike and asked staff to return to work after two months of salary payments. Talks continue, and the dispute is not settled. Visa Policy: The cabinet has approved a bill to waive entry visas for African nationals from January 1, 2027, pending Parliament’s approval. Marine Pollution: A satellite report recorded 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters off Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely from offshore platforms outside the protected area. France Partnership: Congo and France discussed sanitation projects, public health and digital development, with the French Development Agency’s support among the priorities for the next five years. Congolese Nationals Rescued: Police in Nigeria rescued five Congolese people suspected of being trafficked after they were allegedly lured there with promises of work. Senate Agenda: Congo’s Senate opened its three-month session with the 2027 finance bill and treaties on academic qualifications and organised crime among its 13 items.

Marine Pollution: Satellite analysis found the worst oil pollution in a protected area at Congo’s Conkouati-Douli National Park: 27 slicks covered 880 square kilometres, likely drifting from offshore platforms. The park shelters whales, dolphins, manatees and nesting sea turtles. Senate Session: Congo’s Senate opens its three-month budget session today, with a 13-item agenda including the 2027 finance bill and treaties on higher-education qualifications and transnational organised crime. Youth Enterprise: The EU has launched a competition offering 12 young Congolese founders prizes of up to 4.5 million CFA francs, plus six months of coaching and business support for 24 entrepreneurs. Public Finances: The government’s 2027 budget draft forecasts 6.9% growth, with oil production projected at 112 million barrels; Congo’s third-quarter fiscal oil price was set at $91.51 a barrel. Moody’s has also included Congo among eight African countries with a positive outlook, while warning that the country remains vulnerable to debt pressures. Economic Ties: Congo and Mozambique signed cooperation agreements spanning hydrocarbons, forestry, fisheries and small businesses, with leaders urging stronger trade and investment links.

Youth Enterprise: The EU has opened a competition for young Congolese founders, offering 12 cash prizes of up to 4.5 million CFA francs and six months of coaching for 24 entrepreneurs. Parliament: The Senate’s 13-item agenda includes the 2027 finance bill and treaties on academic qualifications and transnational crime; its session is due to open October 15. Oil and Budget: Congo’s average fiscal oil price reached $91.51 a barrel for the third quarter. The government’s 2027 budget draft forecasts 6.9% growth, with oil production expected to remain a key driver. Debt Outlook: Moody’s gave Congo a positive outlook amid stronger regional conditions, but the World Bank still lists it among countries facing acute debt vulnerabilities. Conservation: Satellite analysis found 27 oil slicks covering 880 square kilometres of waters in Conkouati-Douli National Park, likely drifting from offshore platforms. Political Dialogue: Opposition figure Mathias Dzon called for an inclusive national dialogue to address what his party describes as a social crisis.

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.