Biodev 2030 Project

The Republic of Congo’s Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and the Congo Basin Arlette Soudan-Nonault recently inaugurated the second phase of the country’s Biodev 2030 project. The second phase was inaugurated in January this year and aims to enhance biodiversity conservation and promote ecosystem sustainability in the country.

The first phase, which ran from 2020 to 2022, identified agriculture and mining as key sectors for biodiversity conservation. The second phase focuses on creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform to coordinate national biodiversity actions and explore innovative funding mechanisms, including biodiversity certificates and payments for ecosystem services.

Ignié 2021-2046 Project

Specifications for the Ignié 2021-2046 project were signed in December 2024 between Congolese firm Tinda Energy and China’s parastatal Complant. The project aims to combine solar and biomass energy to enhance energy independence and support sustainable development.

The project involves the development of a 50 MW solar PV plant in the Ignié special economic zone (SEZ). With construction slated for 2025, the plant is expected to stimulate foreign direct investment in the SEZ, support small- and medium-sized industries and create jobs.

C-15 Climate Justice Initiative

In his speech at COP29, Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso unveiled the C-15 Climate Justice Initiative, which aims to incorporate natural capital – the total value of natural resources such as forests, water and biodiversity – into the calculation of a nation’s GDP.

Congo is home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest and, as a leader in forest conservation and carbon emission reduction, is set to receive approximately $8 million in carbon offset payments. To further global reforestation efforts, the Republic of Congo submitted a resolution to the UN General Assembly for the adoption of a Global Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation last July.

Integrated Energy Access Project

Energy supermajor Eni is advancing its Integrated Energy Access Project in Congo, which is designed to expand energy access and promote local socioeconomic development. The initiative includes the construction of two new power plants, enhancing electricity distribution between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville, and expanding public lighting through new streetlights.

The Centrale Electrique du Congo now generates 70% of the country’s electricity. The project also integrates environmental benefits, such as powering 33 community facilities – 11 health centers and 22 drinking water wells – using solar energy, contributing to sustainable development and improved quality of life across the region.

BaCaSi Project

The BaCaSi project is an innovative collaboration between energy major TotalEnergies, engineering consultant Forêt Resources Management and Congo. Covering 55,000 hectares, the project aims to drive sustainable development through forest conservation, reforestation and agroforestry.

Over 35 years, it will see the planting of 38,000 hectares of trees and the establishment of 2,000 hectares of agroforestry systems with local communities. The initiative will capture CO2, create jobs and support local farming. Additionally, a local development fund will finance social projects in health, education and nutrition, benefiting the surrounding communities.

The inaugural Congo Economic & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société National des Pétroles du Congo, 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.