- The Congo Republic, an oil-rich nation, is now considering the feasibility of establishing an oil refinery.
- The Hydrocarbons Minister urged Russian businesses to embark on oil, gas, minerals, and power projects and invest in Congo’s energy sector.
The Congo Republic, an oil-rich nation, is now considering the feasibility of establishing an oil refinery. This idea is a collaborative initiative between the Central African Republic and Russia. It also follows the joint plan of both countries to establish an oil pipeline within the Congolese state.
The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Congo in St. Petersburg, Jocelin Patrick Mandzela, disclosed to Russian media that Russia and the Republic of Congo aim to collaborate on constructing an oil refinery.
“Our country has great potential in the gas sector, hydroelectric power generation, and wind and solar energy, as Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itua, recently stated. An oil refinery with Russian participation is also expected to be built in Congo,” Jocelin Patrick stated.
“An agreement has already been signed on constructing a pipeline to transport oil products. The refinery construction could be the next step,” the diplomat added.
Jocelin revealed that the Republic of Congo also welcomed the idea of a Russian partnership in other sectors, such as agriculture and tourism.
Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua highlighted this sentiment during the Russian Energy Week in Moscow.
During the event, which took place between September 26th and 28th, the Hydrocarbons Minister urged Russian businesses to embark on oil, gas, minerals, and power projects and invest in Congo’s energy sector.
This readiness to work with Russia is the same ideal highlighted by Jocelin Patrick: “Not long ago, there was an intergovernmental commission, during which Congo and Russia signed several agreements.
He said there were private meetings with major Russian companies. I cannot disclose the details yet, but I am sure that we will soon see the results.”
In July 2024, Russia’s Rosatom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate with Congo in hydropower and peaceful nuclear energy. Bruno Jean-Richard has since noted that the project is coming along fine.
In September, Russia tentatively agreed to build an oil pipeline in the Republic of Congo, linking the western port of Pointe-Noire to the capital, Brazzaville.