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Republic of the Congo

Republic of the Congo

French Central African CFA (XAF) French civil law
AU, ECCAS, CEMAC, AfCFTA, OPEC, WTO

The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) is a significant oil producer, with hydrocarbons accounting for over 80% of government revenue and exports. TotalEnergies, ENI, and Chevron operate major fields. The economy also depends on forestry (second-largest tropical forest in Africa), mining (potash, iron ore potential), and agriculture. The Pointe-Noire port is the country's economic hub and oil industry base. Challenges include heavy oil dependence, limited economic diversification, governance concerns, and infrastructure needs. The country's forest resources and potential in mining (iron ore at Mayoko-Moussondji) offer diversification opportunities.

Snapshot

Population~6.5 MWorld Bank, 2025
GDP (current USD)$16.3 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP per Capita$2,515World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth3.08%World Bank, 2025
Inflation (y/y)~2.40%World Bank, 2025
Policy Rate5.00%Central Bank
Unemployment19.88%World Bank, ILO modelled estimate, 2025
Internet Use~47.25%World Bank, 2024
Electrification~50.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)21.0/100 (#158)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.571 (#153)UNDP HDR

World Bank Indicators Compare with another country

GDP (current USD)$16.3 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP growth (annual)3.08%World Bank, 2025
GDP per capita (USD)$2,515World Bank, 2025
Population, total6.5 MWorld Bank, 2025
FDI net inflows (USD)$603.6 MWorld Bank, 2024
Inflation (consumer prices)2.40%World Bank, 2025
Unemployment (% labour force)19.88%World Bank, 2025
Internet use (% of people)47.25%World Bank, 2024
Trade (% of GDP)91.67%World Bank, 2025

Country Facts

CapitalBrazzaville
RegionCentral Africa
CurrencyCentral African CFA (XAF)
FX RegimeFixed peg to EUR via CFA franc
Legal SystemFrench civil law
Time ZoneAfrica/Brazzaville

Focus Sectors

Oil & Gas
Forestry
Mining (potash
iron ore)
Agriculture
Telecoms
Construction
Port Services (Pointe-Noire)

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax28% standard (oil: 30%)
VAT / Sales Tax18.9% standard