The findings establish a broader investment agenda ahead of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2027, taking place June 1–3 in Brazzaville. Bringing together government representatives, investors and industry stakeholders, the forum will provide a platform to examine how investment in energy, infrastructure and industrial development can support Congo’s diversification ambitions.

Diversifying an Oil-Dependent Economy

Hydrocarbons remain central to Congo’s economy, accounting for a substantial share of exports and government revenue. However, the country's dependence on oil has left economic growth and public finances exposed to fluctuations in international crude prices, reinforcing the need to expand private investment and employment beyond the petroleum sector.

The country continues to attract investment in oil and gas development, with expansion across the sector expected to strengthen its capacity to support economic diversification. TotalEnergies announced a new discovery at Moho G this year, adding to existing infill drilling across the offshore base. Eni's Congo LNG program has scaled liquefaction capacity to three million tons a year, while independent operators such as Perenco and Ammat Global Resources have targeted mature-field rehabilitation, lifting output across producing assets.  

These developments demonstrate the continued importance of hydrocarbons to Congo’s investment landscape, even as the government seeks to build a more diversified economy. The IFC diagnostic provides a framework for that transition by identifying industries where targeted reforms and infrastructure investment could encourage private-sector growth. The recommendations are expected to inform discussions with industry and the country's forthcoming National Development Plan for 2027–2031.

Four Industries Offer $1.4B Investment Potential  

Wood processing presents the largest opportunity identified in the diagnostic, with potential to attract between $560 million and $1.1 billion in private investment and create 5,300–11,500 jobs. Improved access to raw materials, clearer regulations and greater domestic processing capacity could support growth in the industry, enabling Congo to capture more value from its forestry resources.

Port logistics represents another priority. Modernization of the Port of Pointe-Noire, improvements along the Pointe-Noire–Brazzaville transport corridor and streamlined customs procedures could attract between $70 million and $200 million in investment while creating 2,000–6,000 jobs. These improvements could strengthen Congo’s position as a logistics gateway for Central Africa.

In agriculture, corn milling could generate $24 million–$72 million in investment and create 400–1,100 jobs, supported by improved access to inputs, stronger supply chains and regulatory reforms. Aquaculture completes the four priority sectors, offering additional opportunities for domestic food production, processing and private investment.

Energy Infrastructure Remains Critical to Investment

Energy access is cited as the primary bottleneck standing between these four sectors and their targets, opening a case for hydrocarbon producers to reinvest in local grid capacity rather than treating power as a separate infrastructure track. The IFC has highlighted ongoing discussions around reforming Congo’s national electricity utility, investment in transmission infrastructure and new generation projects as important steps toward addressing these constraints. Access to finance is another priority, with credit lines and guarantee mechanisms under consideration to improve lending to small and medium-sized businesses.

These priorities will form part of the investment discussion at CEIF 2027, where government and industry stakeholders will examine how energy and infrastructure development can support private-sector growth. With $1.4 billion in potential investment identified, progress on electricity reliability, financing and regulatory reform will be critical to translating Congo’s diversification ambitions into commercially viable projects.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power in collaboration with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, CEIF 2027 will enable candid dialogue, facilitating new investments and deals in the country’s energy sector. For more information, visit www.congoenergyinvestment.com.