As operators seek to maximize returns from existing assets, Congo is increasingly positioning itself as a market where infrastructure availability can support faster project execution. Infrastructure-led development and near-field growth opportunities will be central to discussions at the second edition of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2027, taking place June 1–3 in Brazzaville under the auspices of the Ministry of Hydrocarbons.

TotalEnergies' April 2026 Moho G discovery highlights the model in action. The well encountered a 160-meter hydrocarbon column in Albian reservoirs within the Moho license and is located near producing assets tied to the Alima and Likouf FPUs, which process approximately 90,000 barrels per day. Its proximity to existing infrastructure creates the potential for a lower-cost development pathway compared to standalone greenfield projects.

Onshore, the Djeno Export Terminal serves as the backbone of the country's crude export system, consolidating production from multiple offshore developments through a shared logistics network. As a common-carrier facility, the terminal enables operators to access established export infrastructure without duplicating pipelines, storage or terminal assets, improving project economics across the basin.

Brownfield operators are applying a similar strategy. Companies such as Perenco and national petroleum company SNPC continue to expand production from mature assets through workovers, recompletions, platform upgrades and associated gas recovery projects. Within the Kombi-Likalala-Libondo system, the deployment of the Kombi 2 platform and associated infrastructure upgrades has supported incremental oil recovery while capturing approximately seven million standard cubic feet of gas per day, extending field life and enhancing asset value.

The regulatory environment is also helping support infrastructure-led development. Streamlined near-field licensing procedures, production-sharing frameworks that support accelerated cost recovery and established standards for pipeline access and host-facility integration are reducing uncertainty around project execution and infrastructure sharing.

As Congo pursues sustained production growth, ILX is emerging as a key component of the country's upstream strategy. By leveraging existing infrastructure to commercialize discoveries more efficiently, operators can lower development costs while bringing new reserves to market faster. CEIF 2027 will provide a platform for investors, operators and policymakers to examine how infrastructure-backed development can support the next phase of growth across Congo's oil and gas sector.