AGP Executive Report

Visa Restrictions: The United States has suspended all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance to citizens of 12 African countries, including the Republic of the Congo. The measure took effect on January 1. Economic Outlook: Moody’s has turned positive on Congo’s outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices, though high borrowing costs remain a concern. Oil: Congolese tycoon Lucien Ebata says Trident OGX aims to lift output from about 2,500 barrels a day to as much as 50,000 within two years, with expansion planned at the Mengo field. IMF Talks: Brazzaville and IMF staff have made progress discussing a new financing programme, but no deal has been announced and negotiations will continue. 2027 Budget: The government’s draft budget projects 6.9% growth, 3,120.8 billion CFA francs in revenue and 2,638.4 billion in spending; Parliament must still review the plan. Vaccines: Gavi has urged the Senate to include substantial funding for vaccine purchases in next year’s budget.

Oil: Congolese tycoon Lucien Ebata says Trident OGX aims to lift production from about 2,500 barrels a day to 45,000–50,000 within two years, with the Mengo field central to the plan. The state and national oil company hold a 60% stake in the permit. Regional Diplomacy: The Republic of the Congo is among 10 African countries meeting in Libya to press for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with full powers including veto rights. Budget: Congo’s 2027 budget plans 680 billion FCFA in investments and forecasts 6.9% growth, with oil a key driver. Money: Five older CEMAC coin series will lose legal-tender status on November 1, as the regional central bank seeks to address coin shortages.

Basketball: Gabon beat hosts Cameroon 83–80 to open the 2027 AfroCan qualifiers in Douala. The Republic of the Congo is also competing for the zone’s sole place in the final tournament. 2027 Budget: The government has proposed 680 billion FCFA in public investment, targeting infrastructure, energy, transport and agriculture. The bill still needs parliamentary approval; it forecasts 6.9% growth and lower public debt. Currency: From November 1, older CFA franc coins will no longer be legal tender across CEMAC, including the Republic of the Congo. Holders will have a year to exchange them, though locations and procedures are still to be announced. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has turned positive on the Republic of the Congo’s outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices, while warning that debt risks remain.

Basketball: The Republic of the Congo faces Cameroon and Gabon in Douala from October 10–12, with a place in the 2027 AfroCan in Rwanda at stake. 2027 Budget: The government is proposing 680 billion FCFA for public investment, targeting infrastructure, energy, transport and agriculture. Parliament must still approve the plan, which forecasts 6.9% growth and lower public debt. World Cup Dispute: FIFA officials reportedly found Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi ineligible but let him play in the qualifying playoff, which Congo won to reach the 2026 World Cup. FIFA dismissed Nigeria’s complaint on procedural grounds. Currency: Older CEMAC coin series lose legal-tender status on November 1; holders will have a year to exchange them, though exchange arrangements are still pending. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has shifted its outlook for the Republic of the Congo to positive, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices.

Congo Basin: Welsh adventurer Ash Dykes is documenting a 434-mile kayak journey along the Sangha River, drawing millions of viewers as he faces remote jungle hazards. Public Finance: The government’s 2027 budget proposes 680 billion FCFA in investment and targets 6.9% growth, subject to parliamentary approval. Moody’s has also shifted Congo’s sovereign outlook to positive, while debt risks remain. Money: Five older CEMAC coin series lose legal-tender status on November 1; holders will have a year to exchange them, though arrangements are pending. World Cup Fallout: Reports say FIFA officials found Congo used an ineligible goalkeeper in qualifying, but allowed the team to continue; Congo beat Jamaica to reach the tournament. Health and Safety: Ebola has spread to new hotspots in Congo amid reports of a chaotic response. Kenya’s first recorded Ebola case and death was a man who had lived in Congo. Separately, a Congo River boat collision killed at least 30 people, with dozens missing.

CEMAC Currency: Older CFA franc coins from five series will lose legal-tender status across the Republic of Congo and five other member states on November 1. Holders will have a one-year exchange period, though exchange locations are not yet set. 2027 Budget: The government is proposing 680 billion FCFA in public investment, including 327.7 billion from domestic resources. The plan targets 6.9% growth and lower public debt, but still needs parliamentary approval and relies partly on securing an IMF-backed financing program. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given the Republic of Congo a positive outlook, citing reforms, commodity prices and improved financing access, while warning that debt and other risks remain. Pointe-Noire Port: Construction of the main concrete structure for a 750-metre quay is complete. The expansion is designed to handle the world’s largest container ships. Money Transfers: Congo’s regulator plans to require transfer operators to register and report transactions monthly; unregistered operators could face fines of up to 20 million FCFA.

2027 Budget: The government is proposing 680 billion CFA francs in public investment, with 327.7 billion from domestic funds. The draft forecasts 6.9% growth and lower public debt, but says external financing depends on an IMF programme; Parliament must still approve the bill. Pointe-Noire Port: Concrete work is complete on a new 750-metre quay designed to handle the world’s largest container ships. Equipment installation is next. Financial Regulation: Money-transfer businesses must register and report transactions monthly or risk fines of up to 20 million CFA francs. River Disaster: A boat collision on the Congo River killed at least 30 people, with dozens more reported missing. Regional Ties: Congo and Mozambique signed 11 cooperation agreements after talks in Brazzaville, covering areas including energy and fisheries.

Money Transfers: Congo is moving to formalize the sector, requiring agents to register and report transactions monthly. Unregistered operators could face fines of 20 million CFA francs. Pointe-Noire Port: Concrete work is complete on a 750-metre quay designed for the world’s largest container ships; equipment installation is next. Brazzaville’s Past: The Pierre-Savorgnan-de-Brazza memorial marked 20 years with a ceremony revisiting the legacy of the 1880 treaty between Brazza and Makoko Iloo I. 2027 Budget: The government forecasts 6.9% growth, driven by oil production of 112 million barrels and activity beyond the oil sector, while projecting public debt to fall to 80.9% of GDP. Regional Ties: Congo and Mozambique signed 11 cooperation agreements, including on hydrocarbons and fisheries, seeking to revive a partnership that had long remained largely dormant. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has placed the Republic of Congo among eight sub-Saharan countries with a positive outlook, while warning that debt costs, weak revenues and security risks remain concerns.

Regional Ties: Congo and Mozambique have signed 11 cooperation instruments after talks in Brazzaville, aiming to revive a partnership that had been largely dormant for decades, with plans spanning energy and fisheries. Fuel and Finances: Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso told the ruling PCT that shortages reflect structural supply problems, including the shutdown of the Coraf refinery and limited capacity to import fuel. He also addressed public debt and possible renewed talks with the IMF. River Disaster: A boat collision on the Congo River killed at least 30 people, with dozens reported missing, Congolese officials said. Economic Outlook: Moody’s has raised its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive; the Republic of Congo is among the countries with a positive rating outlook, though debt costs and climate risks remain concerns. Health Care: A Brazzaville training programme is preparing health workers to teach palliative care, with organizers also exploring local production of oral morphine.

Fuel and Public Finances: Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso told the PCT leadership that Congo’s fuel shortages reflect structural problems, including the Coraf refinery shutdown, fewer crude oil deliveries and limited funds for imports. He also addressed public debt and the prospect of a new IMF arrangement. River Disaster: A boat collision on the Congo River killed at least 30 people, with dozens reported missing, according to Congolese officials. Medicine Trafficking: A UN-led report says more than 251 tonnes of illicit medical products were seized across Central Africa from 2020 to 2025, including in the Republic of Congo; shortages and high prices are helping drive the trade. Industry and Investment: A Brazzaville seminar brought Congolese and Italian officials and businesses together to explore how special economic zones could support industrial growth and jobs. Health Care: Congolese palliative-care workers began training in Brazzaville, with plans to prepare trainers for health facilities and develop a mobile care team. Education: Eleven Congolese students won Turkish government scholarships for full university studies, down from 26 selected last year.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case from Congo after a Kenyan man returned via Uganda, was isolated at Nairobi Hospital, and died; authorities say 28 contacts and 23 fellow passengers are being traced and monitored, with burial planned within 24 hours. Public Health & Illicit Trade: A UN report warns Central Africa faces a major threat from counterfeit and diverted medicines, with at least 251 tonnes seized across CEMAC countries from 2020-2025—fueling treatment failures, poisonings and avoidable deaths. Local Governance & Accountability: In Brazzaville, the ruling PGR unveiled a “Pact for Acceleration 2026-2031” to measure and judge government action using baseline data and a “barometer” for public policies. Education Under Strain: Marien Ngouabi University staff in Brazzaville face seven months of salary arrears; unions gave the government 72 hours to respond before a possible strike. Football & Eligibility Fallout: Reports say FIFA knew Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible before the World Cup but allowed him to play, raising questions over qualifying results. Sports Calendar: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns set for the MTN8 final on 10 October, with kickoff at 18:00 and broadcast details on DStv.

Ebola Alert: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case after a Kenyan man who had been living in Congo died in Nairobi, triggering isolation of 28 contacts and tracing of 23 fellow passengers, with burial planned within 24 hours. Public Health: The UN warns that medicine trafficking is a major threat across CEMAC, citing counterfeit and diverted drugs and noting at least 251 tonnes seized from 2020-2025, including in the Republic of Congo. Sports Governance: Reports say FIFA knew Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible before the World Cup but allowed him to play, raising questions about qualifying results. Local Accountability: In Brazzaville, the ruling PGR says it will “grade” its own government programme using an observatory and a “barometer of acceleration” to track policy results. Labour Pressure: Marien Ngouabi University staff in Brazzaville issue a 72-hour deadline over seven months of unpaid salaries, threatening a strike. Business & Industry: An Italy-Congo seminar in Brazzaville compares special economic zones, aiming to unlock new industrial cooperation and investment.

Ebola Emergency: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case from Congo after a patient died in Nairobi; authorities isolated the patient, identified 28 contacts, and began tracing 23 fellow passengers, with burial planned within 24 hours and monitoring for 21 days. Response Under Fire: In eastern Congo, health workers say help arrived too late in Mangala, where a new Ebola center is only now starting after the response ramped up months behind other towns; workers also warn of exhaustion and a shortage of experienced staff. Mining Governance Push: Civil society groups in Liberia are calling for an overhaul of mining rules, warning that weak enforcement and low transparency turn resource booms into “growth without development.” Energy Cooperation: SOCAR Downstream was selected as project management consultant for the Congo’s CORAF refinery modernization, supporting the pre-FEED phase and deepening ties with SNPC. Biodiversity Financing: Congo launched Biofin to build a national biodiversity finance plan through 2030, aiming to turn strategy goals into funded, measurable action.

Ebola Response: Congo’s Ebola fight gets a boost as a trial enrolling over 250 participants tests a drug aimed at stopping new infections, amid a crisis that has already killed thousands. Central Bank Accountability: Central Bank of Congo Governor André Wameso urges CONFEP 2026 recommendations to be turned into a roadmap with deadlines, clear responsibilities and monitoring indicators for provincial entities. Biodiversity Financing: Congo launches Biofin to build a National Biodiversity Finance Plan, seeking to fund its 2025–2030 biodiversity strategy with support from the Global Environment Facility and UNDP. Energy Deal: SOCAR Downstream is selected as project management consultant for SNPC’s CORAF refinery modernization, marking deeper Congo–Azerbaijan energy cooperation. Brazzaville Culture: Brazzaville’s Relico literary festival closes its ninth edition and already sets dates for its 2027 tenth run. Sports & Eligibility: FECOFA rejects Les Aigles du Congo’s appeal and confirms Chadrack Bingi Belo’s eligibility for TP Mazembe. Wildlife & Trade: Nigeria’s customs repatriates a rescued baby gorilla to Congo, continuing full-cycle wildlife operations.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,000 cases, with deaths reported above 4,000 as authorities struggle to contain the fastest-growing outbreak and front-line workers demand overdue wages. Energy Deal for Refining Congo: SOCAR Downstream has been selected as project management consultant for SNPC’s CORAF oil refinery modernization, supporting the Pre-FEED phase and deepening Azerbaijan–Congo energy ties. Football Eligibility Ruling: FECOFA dismissed FC Les Aigles du Congo’s appeal and confirmed Chadrack Bingi Belo’s eligibility for TP Mazembe, citing compliance with FECOFA’s exceptional transfer window. UN Security Council Reform Push: Congo urged UN Security Council reform at the 81st UN General Assembly, backing Africa’s bid for two permanent seats with veto power and reaffirming its 2030–2031 non-permanent seat bid. Sports and Society: An extreme athlete, Ash Dykes, is set to paddle 700km down the Sangha River in croc-infested waters, highlighting Congo Basin adventure risks. Education and Skills: UNESCO and a Chinese coding platform are expanding AI education across Africa, including training teachers in the Republic of Congo.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,018 people, with 8,300 confirmed cases, as authorities struggle to contain the fastest-growing outbreak in history; a UN official says an Ebola-hit displacement camp and transit center was burned by soldiers, forcing 19,000 people to flee, while health workers protest unpaid wages. Human Rights Under “Zéro Kuluna”: Congo’s human rights observatory says 561 people have disappeared after arrests linked to the DGSP’s year-long “Zéro Kuluna” security operation, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Security and Training: Thirty-five FAC officers graduated from the DEMIA 6 joint staff course in Brazzaville, marking entry into the restricted staff corps. Digital Connectivity: CAMTEL and SPIN Gabon agreed a roadmap to expand the CAB-CORRIDOR fiber links across Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, targeting operational rollout in October 2026. UN Diplomacy: Congo urged UN Security Council reform, backing Africa’s demand for two permanent seats with veto power and pushing its 2030–2031 non-permanent bid.