Sounda Hydropower Plant

Construction company China Overseas is set to begin construction of a hydroelectric dam at the Sounda site in Q1 2025. With a capacity to generate 600-800 MW of electricity, the project aims to significantly boost power production for Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Valued at $9.4 billion and financed by China, the dam is expected to be completed by June 2030. This initiative follows China’s earlier investment in the Imboulou dam, which currently stands as the country’s largest with a capacity of 120 MW.

Brazzaville-Kinshasa Road-Rail Bridge

In 2026, the Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo will begin construction of a landmark road-rail bridge connecting Brazzaville and Kinshasa. With preparatory studies and negotiations already completed, this project is part of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, which seeks to foster regional integration and improve living standards by facilitating cross-border trade and movement. Financed by pan-African financial institution the African Development Bank with a $550 million investment, the 1.5km toll bridge will feature a railway, roadway and pedestrian sidewalk, enabling the movement of over 5 million passengers and 3 million tons of freight annually.

Fuel Pipeline

The Congo is moving forward with plans to build a 1,200km oil pipeline connecting Pointe-Noire in the south to Ouesso in the north, aimed at addressing domestic petroleum shortages and improving distribution. In September 2024, Russia approved a draft agreement to join the project. The initiative will be a joint venture, with Russian pipeline builder ZNGS Prometey holding a 90% stake and the Congo’s Société national de pétroles owning 10%. Russia will provide funding, equipment and personnel for construction, while Congo will offer tax incentives in return.

Congo–Ocean Railway

The Congo-Ocean Railway, which connects Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville, resumed freight services in August 2024 after a two-year hiatus. Passenger services, suspended since 2016, were reinstated in 2023, with weekly trains now operating between the two cities. The railway’s reopening is set to ease fuel shortages in Brazzaville and stimulate economic activity by improving the flow of goods and people.

Atlantic Petrochemical Refinery

Construction of the Atlantic Petrochemical Refinery near Pointe-Noire is set to address domestic fuel shortages and reduce reliance on imports. With operations slated to commence by the end of 2025, the project is being developed in partnership with China's Beijing Fortune Dingheng Investment. The $600 million project will occupy 240 hectares and will have an initial processing capacity of 2.5 million tons per year. The refinery will produce gasoline, diesel, LPG, kerosene, lubricants and bitumen.

Join us at the Congo Energy and Investment Forum, from March 25-26 in Brazzaville, to explore transformative opportunities, connect with industry leaders and drive the future of Congo’s energy sector. Visit https://congoenergyinvestment.com/ for more details.