AGP Executive Report

Cobalt Export Disruption: Congo cobalt producers are worried about losing export quotas after an administrative glitch, with sources warning of missed shipments and major revenue impact. Oil Price Pressure: Falling crude expectations are squeezing African exporter budgets, including Republic of Congo, as governments built plans on higher oil prices while debt and currency pressures remain high. Energy Partnership Push: Dangote Industries says its planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will process 700,000 barrels per day, as it seeks deeper refining and supply partnerships across Africa—Congo’s national oil company is part of the outreach. Fintech for Industry: Optasia is expanding beyond consumer lending into merchant lending for MSMEs, reporting strong growth and noting Congo-Brazzaville as a key market. Health & Industry Readiness: A rapid antigen test race for Bundibugyo Ebola is down to five manufacturers, aiming for field trials in eastern Congo within weeks to speed diagnosis and containment. Shipping & Offshore Services: A public auction is set for the PSV Bourbon Liberty 152 with a bareboat charter, including current offshore Congo work and detailed vessel specifications.

Construction & Local Industry Recognition: Cameroon’s BUNS Construction won the “Best Construction Company” award at the 23rd Guardian Post Achievement Awards in Ebolowa, praised for international-standard infrastructure delivery and corporate social responsibility. Energy & Regional Finance: A Reuters report says falling oil price expectations are squeezing African crude exporters’ budgets, with Republic of Congo named among those facing weaker energy revenue and tighter financing conditions. Mining & Export Risk: Congo cobalt exporters fear losing quotas after an administrative glitch, with sources warning of missed shipments and disruption to export volumes. Oil & Trade Links: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and SNPC (Congo state oil) are in talks on a strategic partnership to supply refined products, strengthen energy security, and exchange technical know-how. Central Banking Tension: In CEMAC, the IMF and BEAC are clashing over the suspension of BEAC’s special refinancing window meant to fund productive investment, raising questions for regional project financing. Health & Congo Response: A global diagnostics alliance says it has narrowed rapid Ebola test development for the Bundibugyo virus to five manufacturers, targeting field trials in eastern Congo within weeks. Shipping & Offshore Assets: A Shipbid auction announced for the PSV Bourbon Liberty 152 with bareboat charter, currently contracted offshore Congo with a major international oil company.

Cobalt Exports Watch: Congo cobalt producers say export quotas are at risk after an administrative glitch, with sources warning of missed shipments and revenue pressure. Oil Revenue Pressure: Falling oil prices are squeezing African crude-exporter budgets, and Republic of Congo is named among the countries facing weaker fiscal room as debt costs and FX stress persist. Regional Energy Deal: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is in talks with SNPC on a strategic partnership to supply refined products to the Republic of Congo, aiming to strengthen fuel supply and industrial know-how exchange. Ebola Diagnostics Push: A global alliance narrowed the race for a rapid antigen test for Bundibugyo Ebola to five manufacturers, targeting field trials in eastern Congo within weeks to speed up outbreak containment. Nature & Jobs Financing: Africa is being urged to use innovative financing to unlock nature-based solutions for climate resilience and jobs, with calls to move beyond traditional climate funding. Trade Access Move: China’s new tariff waivers grant duty-free access for African exports to 20 developing countries, potentially boosting regional industrial and agricultural sales into the Chinese market.

Oil & Fiscal Pressure: Falling oil price expectations are squeezing African crude exporters’ budgets, with Republic of Congo named among countries exposed to revenue swings as debt costs, currency weakness and spending needs stay high. Cobalt Exports: Congo cobalt exporters fear losing quotas after a new administrative directive on unused quotas could disrupt shipments worth up to $1.1bn. Energy Partnership: Dangote Petroleum Refinery talks with SNPC on a strategic partnership to supply refined products and deepen refining, supply and technical cooperation. Central Banking & Investment: IMF and BEAC clash over BEAC’s special refinancing facility for productive investment, with the IMF pushing for gradual elimination to protect reserves. Health & Industry: A rapid antigen test race for Bundibugyo Ebola narrows to five manufacturers, aiming for field trials in eastern Congo within weeks. Shipping & Offshore Assets: A public auction is set for the PSV Bourbon Liberty 152 with a bareboat charter tied to offshore Congo operations. Nature-Based Finance: Africa is urged to use innovative financing to unlock nature-based solutions for climate resilience, jobs and equity.

Rainforest Finance Watch: Brazil unveiled the Tropical Forest Forever Facility at COP30, but the UK’s stalled pledge and slow donor uptake put the fund’s 2026 target ($10bn) at risk, with Norway’s up-to-$3bn loan disbursement tied to hitting the goal. CEMAC Monetary Policy: The IMF and BEAC are clashing over the suspension of BEAC’s special refinancing window, a tool meant to fund productive investment—raising concerns for regional project financing. Ebola Diagnostics for Congo: A rapid antigen test race for Bundibugyo Ebola has narrowed to five manufacturers, aiming for field trials in eastern Congo within weeks to speed up case detection and containment. Energy Trading Deal: Eni and Mercuria launched a 50-50 energy trading joint venture in Geneva, blending physical flows with trading, logistics and risk management—important for Congo-linked export routes. Fuel Supply Partnership: Dangote Petroleum and SNPC are in talks on a strategic partnership to supply refined products to the Republic of Congo, targeting stronger fuel security and industrial cooperation. Shipping Asset Sale: A bidding notice is out for the PSV “Bourbon Liberty 152” with bareboat charter, currently tied to offshore Congo operations.

Ebola Diagnostics: A global diagnostics alliance says the race to build a rapid antigen test for the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus has narrowed to five manufacturers, with field trials in eastern Congo targeted for weeks and first tests possibly reaching the field by mid-July. Energy & Industry: Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) has started talks with Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals on a strategic partnership to strengthen Republic of Congo supplies of refined petroleum products, covering refining, product supply, energy security, industrial development and knowledge sharing. Energy Trading: Eni and Mercuria unveiled a 50-50 energy trading joint venture in Geneva, aiming to combine physical oil and gas flows with trading, logistics and risk-management to better monetize export streams. Oil Sector Leadership: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga was named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at African Energy Week 2026, recognizing long-term leadership and SNPC’s institutional growth. Nature-Based Climate Jobs: Experts and policymakers urged African governments to scale nature-based solutions for climate resilience, jobs and sustainable development, stressing protection and restoration of forests, wetlands and soils.

Energy & Industry Partnership: Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals have started talks on a long-term strategic partnership to boost the Republic of the Congo’s access to refined petroleum products, strengthen regional energy security, and support industrial development and technical knowledge sharing. Refining Expansion Plans: Dangote says it aims to raise total African refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day—1.4 million in Nigeria and a planned 700,000 in Kenya—alongside an additional $46bn investment across refining, cement and fertiliser between 2026 and 2028. SNPC Leadership Recognition: SNPC Director General Maixent Raoul Ominga was named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at African Energy Week 2026, highlighting his role in expanding SNPC’s influence beyond traditional oil operations.

Energy Deal Watch: SNPC (Republic of Congo’s national oil company) has started talks with Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals in Lagos on a strategic partnership to boost Congo’s access to refined products, strengthen energy security, and deepen industrial cooperation across Africa. Industrial Expansion: Dangote says it plans to lift total refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day (1.4m in Nigeria plus 700,000 bpd in Kenya) and invest an extra $46bn from 2026-2028 across refining, cement and fertiliser—setting the backdrop for the Congo talks. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion quay, installing 558 piles and keeping the project on track for delivery in the first half of 2027 to raise port handling capacity. Mining & Deals: Australia’s Toubani Resources agreed to buy a 19.9% stake in Canada’s Avanti Gold, gaining exposure to Congo’s Misisi gold project. Logistics/Trade: Kore Potash says two parties remain in its formal sale process for the company’s Congo potash assets. Security & Community: Police report largely peaceful conditions during South Africa’s anti-immigrant deadline, with incidents including reported beatings in Yeoville.

Energy & Industry Partnerships: Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has started talks with the Republic of Congo’s SNPC on a strategic partnership to expand access to refined petroleum products, strengthen energy security, and support industrial integration across Africa. Big Refining Push: Dangote also outlined plans to lift total African refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day, backed by an additional $46bn investment across refining, cement and fertiliser between 2026 and 2028. Mining & Investment: Australia’s Toubani Resources secured access to Canada’s Avanti Gold Corp stake to gain exposure to Congo’s Misisi Gold Project, where drilling is underway. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion quay, installing 558 piles and keeping the project on track for delivery in the first half of 2027. Digital Economy: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and speeding settlements for freelancers and small businesses across markets including the Republic of Congo.

Refining & Energy Deals: SNPC and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals have started talks on a strategic partnership to boost the Republic of Congo’s supply of refined products, strengthen energy security, and deepen industrial cooperation across Africa. Port Construction: Congo Terminal says it has finished steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion, installing 558 piles and keeping delivery on track for the first half of 2027. Mining & Sales Process: Kore Potash says two parties remain in the formal sale process for its potash assets in the Sintoukola Basin, with one earlier approach having paused in February. Digital Payments: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at lowering transaction costs and speeding settlements for freelancers and small businesses across markets including the Republic of Congo. Telecom Leadership: Airtel Kenya appointed Djibril Tobe as managing director, succeeding Ashish Malhotra, as the operator pushes further growth in Kenya’s mobile and digital services.

Port & Shipping: Congo Terminal has finished steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion, installing 558 piles (20–35m long) to support a new quay, with delivery targeted for the first half of 2027 and higher cargo handling capacity. Mining & Investment: Kore Potash says two parties remain in its formal sales process for the Kola and DX potash projects in the Sintoukola basin, after one earlier bidder dropped out and a new party joined on June 8. Youth & Health: Liberia’s Youth and Sports Ministry (World Drug Day event) reaffirmed a prevention-first push against drug abuse, calling for tighter coordination across government, communities, families and partners. Telecom & Business Leadership: Airtel Kenya appointed Djibril Tobe as managing director, replacing Ashish Malhotra as Malhotra moves to CEO of Indus Towers Africa. Digital Economy: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and delays for freelancers and small businesses across African markets including the Republic of Congo. Energy (Regional): Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size FLNG vessel to deploy offshore Congo-Brazzaville, with capacity discussed around 2.4–3.0 million tpa.

Security & Migration: South Africa’s NatJoints says it’s monitoring “Operation 32” in real time and has deployed extra law enforcement across all nine provinces ahead of 30 June anti-foreigner marches, warning there will be “no security vacuum” and that anyone crossing the line will face the full force of the law. Local Impact: A Cape Town counter-demonstration outside parliament drew debate over whether the June 30 mobilisation is xenophobic, while reports also describe vigilante-style intimidation of migrants. Congo in the Spotlight (Sports): Congo reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, setting up a round-of-32 clash with England; England coach Thomas Tuchel said he’ll take “any win” amid injury worries. Energy & Gas (Congo-Brazzaville): UK-based Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size FLNG vessel for offshore Congo-Brazzaville, as the country becomes a proving ground for LNG-to-power projects. Agri-Finance: A World Bank-backed summit in Nairobi highlights Africa’s $100bn-plus agricultural financing gap and the infrastructure bottlenecks that keep capital from scaling into farming. Digital Payments (Region): Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform operating across Nigeria, Rwanda, the Republic of Congo, Uganda and beyond.

Digital Payments: Vidari Group Holding Company launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and speeding settlements for freelancers, online merchants and small businesses across markets including the Republic of Congo. Oil & Gas (Congo Basin): Eni-BP Azule’s Azule Energy declared final investment decision on the $5.1bn Greater PAJ ultradeepwater greenfield project offshore Angola, a move that also highlights Azule’s Congo Basin deepwater footprint. FLNG Watch (Congo-Brazzaville): UK-based Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size floating LNG vessel for deployment offshore Congo-Brazzaville, with capacity discussed in the 2.4–3.0 million tpa range. Aviation (Republic of Congo): A June 2026 OAG ranking shows the Republic of Congo recording the fastest growth in domestic capacity (+31.3% to 122,100 seats), signaling improving connectivity. Logistics (Cameroon, regional trade): Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Cameroon broke ground on a CFA2.6bn Kribi Logistics Hub phase focused on cocoa storage and handling, with construction running July 2026–April 2027. World Cup (Congo): Congo advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta and setting up a round-of-32 clash with England.

World Cup Business & Trade: Congo’s national team made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta and setting up a Round of 32 clash with England—an attention boost that can spill into travel, retail and local services. Oil & Gas (FLNG): UK-based Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size floating LNG vessel for offshore Congo-Brazzaville, with capacity reportedly in the 2.4–3.0 million tpa range—another sign Congo is becoming a proving ground for FLNG. Aviation Demand: June 2026 data shows Republic of Congo recorded the fastest growth in domestic capacity in Africa, up 31.3% to 122,100 seats, pointing to rising connectivity and market pull. Finance: GCB Bank was named West Africa Regional Bank of the Year at awards in Brazzaville, highlighting momentum in regional banking and cross-border payments. Energy Waste: A World Bank report flags gas flaring as a major lost opportunity for Africa, with Congo among key oil producers still burning associated gas instead of using it for power and industry.

World Cup & Sports Business: Congo made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta and setting up a Round of 32 clash with England. Oil & Gas Infrastructure: UK-based Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size FLNG vessel to deploy offshore Congo-Brazzaville, aiming to monetize its N’Kossa and N’Soko II gas resources. Aviation Demand: Congo recorded the fastest growth in Africa for domestic outbound seats in June 2026, with capacity up 31.3% to 122,100 seats. Logistics & Agriculture Exports: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Cameroon broke ground on a CFA2.6 billion cocoa logistics hub at Kribi Port, adding storage and handling capacity from July 2026 to April 2027. Energy Waste & Industry Impact: A World Bank report highlights how global gas flaring hit a six-year high in 2025, with the Republic of Congo among key oil producers still losing gas that could power industry and expand electricity access.

FLNG Push in Congo-Brazzaville: UK-based Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size floating LNG vessel for offshore Congo-Brazzaville, aiming for about 2.4–3 million tpa capacity, as it leverages its N’Kossa and N’Soko II licences after acquiring Chevron and TotalEnergies assets in 2025. Cocoa Logistics Upgrade (Kribi): Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Cameroon, part of MSC Group, broke ground on a CFA2.6 billion third phase at Kribi Port’s Cocoa Logistics Hub, adding a 5,000-sq-m container yard, 9,000-sq-m warehouse, weighbridge and bypass road; works run July 2026–April 2027. Air Travel Demand Watch: June 2026 airport data shows Republic of Congo domestic capacity rising fastest (+31.3% to 122,100 seats), while Ethiopian Airlines remains the continent’s largest carrier by seats. Gas Flaring Alarm: A World Bank report says global gas flaring hit 167 bcm in 2025, with Africa’s producers still burning valuable associated gas—highlighting major energy and industrialisation losses. Ebola Cross-Border Risk: France reported its first Ebola case after a doctor returned from the Congo, with contact tracing underway and risk to Europeans described as low. Leadership Training Spotlight: Aliko Dangote urged the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute to train African presidents, prime ministers, governors and senior policymakers, positioning it as a governance and development partner.