China

In September 2024, the Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed advancing energy and infrastructure projects. Durring the meeting, China committed $100 billion to a number of initiatives, including the upgrade of Brazzaville Airport and the National Highway 1 (RN1).

In energy, exploration and production company China Oil Natural Gas Overseas Holding’s (Cogo) Congolese subsidiary plans to invest $150 million over the next three years to boost oil production in the Conkouati-Koui and Nanga III fields. The company will drill four wells in the country – two in each field.

Aligned with the Congo’s goal to double oil production by 2025, Chinese oil company Wing Wah is expanding its Banga Kayo oilfield to 80,000 barrels per day (bpd). Supported by the Congo Ministry of Hydrocarbons the national oil company Société nationale de pétroles du Congo (SNPC), Wing Wah’s expansion in Banga Kayo aligns with China’s broader strategy in Africa, combining economic growth with infrastructure and community investment.

Meanwhile, investment managing company Beijing Fortune Dingheng is progressing with the construction of the Atlantic Petrochemicals Refinery. The project is poised to increase the Congo’s downstream capabilities, reduce dependence on imported refined products and create local employment opportunities in the country. The refinery is expected to play a significant role in meeting regional fuel demand, contributing to energy security and supporting broader industrialization efforts within the RoC.

The Chinese government has also partnered with the Congo on several hydropower plants projects, including the 19 MW Liouesso, the 120 MW Imboulou and the 800 MW Sounda hydropower plant. In the solar power sector, China holds a 35% stake in the Congolaise des Panneaux Solaires solar project.

Russia

Russia has established a strong relationship with the Congo, particularly in hydrocarbon exploration and production. In September 2024, the Congo and Russia agreed to construct a petroleum pipeline from the Port of Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville. This Build-Own-Operate-Transfer project sees Russia taking a 90% stake while providing capital, equipment and expertise. In return, the Congo offers regulatory support and tax exemptions.

Additionally, Russian multinational energy corporation Lukoil acquired a 25% stake in the Marine XII license in 2019, a vital offshore oil block operated by Italian oil major Eni. This partnership has bolstered the Congo’s production capabilities and export capacity. Beyond oil and gas, Russian energy giant Rosatom is interested in supporting the Congo’s nuclear energy initiatives, addressing the demand for low-emission power.

Italy

Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa has solidified its energy partnership with the Congo. The plan targets fair energy partnerships with African nations, including support for projects in oil, gas and renewables, while emphasizing economic cooperation. During Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s October 2023 visit to the Congo, Italy enhanced LNG cooperation with Eni with the launch of first LNG production from the Tango FLNG in early 2024. Eni partly owns and operates the Marine XII and Congo LNG projects, which are anticipated to reach full production capacity by 2025, boosting the Congo’s position in the international gas market.

Italy’s strategy under the Mattei Plan emphasizes diversifying the Congo’s economy into renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation while reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. By channeling financing through Italian export credit agency Società per Azioni per il Credito all'Esportazione and the Italian Climate Fund towards green projects, Italy seeks to foster non-oil sectors and assist Congo in implementing tax reforms and climate resilience strategies that align with European climate goals.

France

France’s partnership with the Congo covers various sectors including energy, health, security and sustainability. A key player in this collaboration is energy supermajor TotalEnergies, which manages the offshore Moho Nord field. Boasting a production capacity of 140,000 bpd, the field accounts for approximately half of the Congo’s oil production. TotalEnergies committed $600 million in 2024 to sustain and enhance production in this field.

In addition to energy, France supports the Congo’s development through Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which invests in infrastructure to promote economic stability and social progress. AFD focuses on enhancing urban environments, improving road networks and expanding access to electricity and water, especially in cities like Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.