Congo, Lukoil Strengthen Ties

The Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons signed a MoU with Russia’s Lukoil in September 2024 to enhance energy sector cooperation. Signed by Minister Bruno Jean Richard Itoua and Lukoil CEO Ilya Pshenichny, the agreement focuses on oil block development, with a focus on the Haute Mer A and B and Marine XXVI blocks.

The MoU comes amidst efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries, with a joint venture having been established during the same month to construct a petroleum pipeline connecting Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville.

SNPC, GNPC Forge Partnership

The SNPC and the Ghana’s state-owned Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) signed an MoU in September 2024 to enhance collaboration in the oil, gas and energy transition sectors. Signed by GNPC CEO Joseph Dadzie and SNPC Managing Director Maixent Raoul Ominga, the agreement establishes a framework for exchanging ideas, expertise and information.

Congo, China Overseas Corp. Collaborate on Hydro Project

Congo and holding group China Overseas Corporation have solidified plans for the construction of the 800 MW Sounda Hydropower Plant through an MoU signed in September 2024. Signed by Congolese Minister of Energy and Hydraulics Emile Ousso and China Overseas CEO Li Xi Zhen, the MoU outlines a detailed plan to commence construction in 2025 and complete the project by 2030.

Located in the Kouilou district, 130 km from Pointe-Noire, the dam is set to become the Republic of Congo’s largest, and is poised to significantly enhance the country's renewable energy capacity.

SNPC Partners with KMG

The SNPC and Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) signed an MoU in June 2024 to enhance collaboration in the oil and gas sector. The deal was signed by SNPC’s Ominga and KMG Chairman Ashat Khassenov and focuses on fostering cooperation in international oil and gas trading, training and human capital development.

Additionally, the MoU outlines the establishment of working teams to finalize a comprehensive cooperation agreement promoting knowledge exchange, commercial partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.

SNPC, SOCAR Advocate for Energy Security

The SNPC and Azerbaijan’s national oil company SOCAR signed three key agreements in April 2024 to advance refinery development, training and sustainable resource management. One MoU focused on improving the 1-million-ton capacity Congolaise de Raffinage refinery. Another agreement enhanced training initiatives, strengthening SNPC’s exploration capabilities. Meanwhile, the third deal – signed by Congo and Azerbaijan's environment ministers – emphasized sustainable resource management and environmental protection.

Additionally, SOCAR President Roshvan Najaf met officials from the Republic of Congo to explore collaborations in oil trading, human capital development and global energy projects.