In line with these policies, Energy Capital & Power spoke with Karim Manouach, Managing Director, Congo Services, a Congolese company with a majority Congolese shareholder. Congo Services embodies the government's local content strategy, actively contributing to workforce development and strengthening the country’s energy sector.

Driving Local Expertise in Oil & Gas Services

Congo Services specializes in stevedoring, handling, lifting equipment rental, maintenance services for lifting equipment, supply of lifting and handling personnel. Since 2020, it has expanded into repair and maintenance services across oil and gas, mining and private sectors. The company is also the exclusive dealer for Manitowoc cranes in Congo, offering sales, rentals and servicing. Its subsidiaries, Congo Services Transit, focuses on freight forwarding, while SCPP provides painting and scaffolding services for offshore platforms.

"We are the only Congolese company in this field, competing with international firms that have vast resources. To stay competitive, we’ve had to adapt by maintaining the structure of a national company while meeting international standards," stressed Manouach.

Congo Services’ client portfolio includes international oil companies TotalEnergies, Perenco, ENI, Schlumberger, Halliburton and Baker Hughes, with TotalEnergies being SCPP’s primary client. Manouach highlighted the strength of these partnerships, stating, "Our long-term collaborations with both major and junior oil companies reflect our expertise and deep-rooted commitment to the industry."

Manouach further emphasized the company’s agility and local expertise, adding, "Our deep understanding of the local environment gives us a competitive advantage. Unlike multinationals, our decision-making process is much faster, allowing us to adapt quickly to client needs and operational challenges."

Raising the Bar for Local Content

Congo Services is committed to strengthening local expertise by aligning its operations with international standards. "Our goal is to ensure Congolese professionals have the skills and knowledge to compete at a global level," said Manouach. To achieve this, the company is investing in a new maintenance facility, setting international benchmarks in offshore operations, with a particular focus on hydraulics and specialized repairs.

"We don’t just hire local talent—we develop it, because building local capacity isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a strategic asset," Manouach explained. The company provides structured training programs to equip employees with technical skills, preparing them for high-level roles in the oil and gas sector. The company is also expanding its inspection services, having recently acquired its first magnetic particle testing kit.

With a solid foundation in Congo, the company is now looking at regional expansion. "We already have equipment in Cabinda, working with the local refinery," said Manouach. "As soon as that project is completed, our equipment will move to the airport construction site nearby." Beyond Angola, Congo Service’s is considering several African countries for expansion. "We are ready to take our expertise beyond Congo and contribute to the growth of Africa’s energy sector," concluded Manouach.

Local content promotion will be a key focus at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26 in Brazzaville. The event will showcase energy projects in Congo and highlight investment opportunities, bringing together international investors, industry leaders and local stakeholders to drive sector growth.