AGP Executive Report

Credit Outlook: Moody’s has upgraded its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, naming the Republic of Congo among eight rated countries with that outlook. It expects regional growth of 4.3% in 2026 and 2027, but warns that debt costs and weak public revenues remain risks. Industrial Development: A Brazzaville seminar on special economic zones is bringing Congolese and Italian officials and businesses together to explore industrial cooperation, investment and workforce training. Public Health: A UN-backed report says at least 251 tonnes of medicines were seized across six Central African countries, including Congo, from 2020 to 2025. Trafficked and counterfeit drugs can cause treatment failures, poisoning and avoidable deaths. Human Rights: The Congolese Human Rights Observatory says it has documented 561 people missing after arrests linked to the “Zéro Kuluna” security operation and is calling for answers and independent investigations. Investment: Senegalese poultry group Sedima plans a $35 million integrated farming and poultry complex in the Pool department, with annual production targets including 2,200 tonnes of chicken.

Economic Outlook: Moody’s raised its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, citing reforms and stronger commodity prices, but warned that heavy debt costs and climate risks remain. The World Bank forecasts regional growth of 4.3% in 2026 and says hydrocarbon exporters, including the Republic of Congo, are benefiting from higher oil earnings. Industrial Investment: Officials from Congo and Italy met in Brazzaville to explore cooperation on special economic zones, industrial value chains and workforce training. Separately, Senegalese poultry group Sedima plans a $35 million integrated farming complex in Pool, producing crops and chicken. Public Health: A UN report warns that illicit medicine markets threaten Central Africa. Authorities seized at least 251 tonnes of medicines across six countries, including Congo, from 2020 to 2025; the trade can lead to treatment failures and avoidable deaths. Rights Concerns: Congolese rights group OCDH says it has documented 561 people missing after arrests linked to the “Zéro Kuluna” security operation and is calling for investigations and prosecutions. Biodiversity: Congo has launched work on a financing plan to help pay for its 2025–2030 national biodiversity strategy. Wildlife: A rescued baby gorilla, Bili, has been returned to the Tchimpounga reserve near Pointe-Noire after DNA testing confirmed her Congolese origin.

Human Rights & Security: Congo-Brazzaville’s human rights observatory says enforced disappearances linked to the DGSP’s “Zéro Kuluna” operation have reached 561 documented cases, urging names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Public Health: A UN report warns that medicine trafficking across CEMAC is a major threat, citing at least 251 tonnes of seized medicines from 2020-2025 in Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, with counterfeit and diverted drugs fueling treatment failures and avoidable deaths. Economy & Investment: A Brazzaville seminar compares Italian and Congolese special economic zones, aiming to unlock new industrial cooperation and investment pathways. Wildlife Protection: Nigeria’s Customs Service completed a full-cycle operation repatriating a rescued baby gorilla, “Bili,” back to Congo-Brazzaville’s Tchimpounga reserve, with DHL logistics support. Business & Industry: Sedima plans a $35m integrated poultry and feed complex in Congo’s Pool department, targeting large-scale corn, soy and broiler production. Diplomacy & Community: Congo’s consular team in Lyon held citizen consultations on passports and consular services, including a “mbongui” with the diaspora.

Medicines Crackdown in CEMAC: The UN, WHO and CEMAC warn that medicine trafficking is a major public health threat across Central Africa, driven by shortages and high prices. Between 2020 and 2025, authorities seized at least 251 tonnes of medicines in Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, including counterfeit and unapproved drugs—fueling treatment failures, poisonings and avoidable deaths. Local Industry & Investment Links: A two-day seminar in Brazzaville compares Italian and Congolese approaches to special economic zones, aiming to unlock new industrial cooperation and investment. Economy Outlook: The World Bank lifted its 2026 Sub-Saharan Africa growth forecast by 0.3 points to 4.3%, citing stronger performance and reforms, while warning jobs and living standards remain a challenge. Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria’s customs repatriated the rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to Congo, with DHL supporting the cross-border logistics to Tchimpounga. Human Rights Pressure: Congo’s human rights observatory says 561 people have disappeared after arrests linked to “Zéro Kuluna,” calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions.

Human Rights Watch: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory says “Zéro Kuluna” arrests have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria Customs completed a full-cycle operation repatriating rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo, with DHL logistics support and CITES-backed procedures to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Local Governance & Justice: The same rights report frames the DGSP question as hundreds held outside the judicial framework, with the figure still growing as families come forward. Biodiversity Financing: Brazzaville launched Biofin to build a National Biodiversity Finance Plan through 2030, backed by the Global Environment Facility and UNDP, aiming to turn the biodiversity strategy into funded action. Tourism Push: On World Tourism Day, Congo pledged to use digital tools and AI to lift tourism’s GDP share from 3% toward nearly 10%. Business & Industry: Sedima Congo plans a $35m integrated poultry complex in Pool, while Hitachi reshuffles its dealer network, naming MDA as its authorised dealer for Congo among other markets.

Biodiversity Financing: Congo launched Biofin in Brazzaville to turn its 2025–2030 biodiversity strategy into a funded plan, with the Global Environment Facility and UNDP backing a National Biodiversity Finance Plan. Human Rights & Security: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory says “Zéro Kuluna” arrests linked to the DGSP have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria Customs completed a full-cycle operation repatriating rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to Congo’s Tchimpounga reserve, with DHL logistics support and CITES backing. Private Investment Push: Sedima (Senegal) plans a $35m integrated poultry complex in Congo’s Pool department, aiming to produce feed crops, chicks, and broiler chicken. Tourism Strategy: On World Tourism Day, Brazzaville promoted AI and digital tools to lift tourism’s GDP share from 3% toward nearly 10%. Governance & Development Finance: The World Bank Group named Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its resident representative for Congo, as it seeks to convert its portfolio and pipeline into results. Business & Industry: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network, appointing MDA as its authorised dealer in Congo and expanding coverage across West and Central Africa.

Human Rights Watch: Congo’s leading rights observatory (OCDH) says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria’s Customs Service repatriated rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo after DNA confirmation, completing a full rescue-to-return operation with DHL logistics and CITES support to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Consular & Diaspora Affairs: Congo’s embassy in France held a “mbongui” in Lyon, focusing on practical issues like passports, consular documents and voting access for Congolese abroad. Energy & Investment: World Bank Group appointed IFC veteran Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its resident representative for Congo, as the country seeks to turn a large portfolio into on-the-ground results. Infrastructure: Congo targets a late-2026 launch for its long-delayed national data centre, with contractor Sumec Group assuring completion on schedule. Business & Industry: Zanaga Iron Ore says its Congo project’s economics improved, with potential cash-cost savings and talks on up to $500 million in financing.

Human Rights Watch: Congo’s leading human rights observatory says “Zéro Kuluna” security arrests have led to 561 enforced disappearances, urging names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Wildlife Cooperation: Nigeria’s Customs repatriated rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo after DNA confirmation, with DHL and multiple conservation and government partners supporting the full rescue-to-return operation to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Diplomacy & Diaspora: Congo’s consular mission in Lyon held a citizens’ “mbongui” meeting with nationals, focusing on practical issues like passports, consular documents and voting. Tourism Push: Brazzaville marked World Tourism Day by betting on digital tools and AI to lift tourism’s GDP share from 3% toward nearly 10%. Finance & Development: The World Bank Group appointed Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its resident representative for Congo, signaling a push to turn its portfolio and pipeline into results. Infrastructure Update: Congo targets a late-2026 launch for its delayed national data centre, with contractor assurances after setbacks.

Human Rights Watch: Congo’s leading human rights observatory says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, urging names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Wildlife & Borders: Nigeria Customs repatriated rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo after DNA tests, with DHL logistics support, completing a full rescue-to-return operation to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Diplomacy & Consular Services: Congo’s embassy in France held a “mbongui” in Lyon to hear nationals’ concerns, including passport access and voting participation. Mining & Arbitration: Sundance Resources’ Congo iron ore dispute update highlights tribunal outcomes and ongoing legal moves tied to the Mbalam-Nabeba project. Energy & Investment: Zanaga says its Congo iron ore project economics are improving, with potential financing talks up to $500 million. Development Finance: The World Bank Group appoints Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its resident representative for Congo. Infrastructure: Congo targets a late-2026 launch for its delayed national data centre.

Mining & Arbitration: Sundance Resources’ ICC cases over the Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore project show sharply different outcomes for Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, with Congo rejecting Sundance’s claims and Cameroon awarded $616m in damages. Human Rights & Security: Congo’s human rights watchdog OCDH says “Zéro Kuluna” DGSP operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Wildlife Protection: Nigeria Customs repatriated rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo after DNA confirmation, with DHL logistics support and transfer to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Business & Investment: Sedima (Senegal) plans a $35m integrated poultry complex in Congo’s Pool department, aiming to produce corn, soy and broiler chicken. Finance & Development: The World Bank Group appointed Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its resident representative for Congo, as it pushes an $833m portfolio toward results. Infrastructure: Congo targets a late-2026 launch for its delayed national data centre, with a Chinese contractor assuring completion on schedule. Energy & Industry: Zanaga reports major improvements in its Congo iron ore project economics and seeks up to $500m in strategic financing. Diplomacy & Diaspora: Congo’s consular mission in Lyon held a “mbongui” with nationals on passports and consular services.

Human Rights Watch: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory says “Zéro Kuluna” arrests have led to 561 enforced disappearances, urging names, independent inquiries and prosecutions. Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria Customs completed its first full-cycle international wildlife operation by repatriating rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo, with DHL logistics and CITES support, returning her to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Business & Investment: Sedima, Senegal’s poultry giant, plans a $35m integrated poultry complex in Congo’s Pool department, aiming to produce thousands of tonnes of feed crops and broiler chicken annually. Finance & Development: The World Bank Group appointed Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its resident representative for Congo, signaling a push to turn its Congo portfolio and pipeline into results. Infrastructure: Congo targets a late-2026 launch for its delayed national data centre after assurances from contractor Sumec. Energy & Industry: Zanaga reports major improvements in the economics of its Congo iron ore project, including potential cash-cost savings and talks on up to $500m financing. Diplomacy & Diaspora: Congo’s consular delegation in Lyon held a “mbongui” with nationals, focusing on passports, consular services and election participation.

Human Rights Watch: Congo-Brazzaville’s OCDH says “Zéro Kuluna” arrests have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent inquiries and prosecutions tied to the DGSP security operation. Agribusiness Investment: Senegal’s Sedima plans a $35m integrated poultry and feed complex in Nkouo (Pool), aiming to produce thousands of tonnes of corn, soy and broiler chicken annually. Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria Customs completed a full-cycle operation returning rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo, with DHL logistics and CITES support, to the Tchimpounga reserve near Pointe-Noire. Diplomacy & Diaspora: Congo’s consular team in Lyon held a “mbongui” with nationals on passports and voting access, while Congo also took part in Lyon’s consular festival. Development Finance: The World Bank Group named Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its resident representative for Congo, with a focus on turning its portfolio into results. Infrastructure Planning: Congo targets a late-2026 launch for its delayed national data centre. Business & Industry: Gerald Group took full control of the Soremi copper and zinc complex at M’Fouati in Bouenza, signaling a push to boost profitability.

Agribusiness Investment: Senegal’s Sedima, led by poultry billionaire Babacar Ngom, plans to pour 20.47 billion CFA francs (about $35m) into an integrated corn-soy feed and broiler chicken complex at Nkouo in Congo’s Pool department, aiming to produce 2,200 tonnes of broiler chicken annually once fully operational. Wildlife Protection: Nigeria Customs repatriated a rescued baby gorilla, Bili, to the Republic of Congo after DNA tests confirmed her origin, completing a full rescue-to-return operation supported by DHL and CITES authorities, with Bili sent to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Diplomacy & Diaspora Services: Congo’s embassy in France held a “mbongui” in Lyon to hear Congolese residents’ concerns, with passports and consular documents among the top issues. Digital Tourism Push: Brazzaville marked World Tourism Day by backing AI and digital platforms to lift tourism’s GDP share from 3% toward nearly 10%. Energy & Finance: Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days bring regional lenders and investors together on Oct. 1–3, with Congo included in the push for more financing reaching SMEs and real-economy projects.

Central African Finance Talks: Bankers, regulators and investors are meeting in Bangui from Oct. 1–3 for the Bangui Financial Days and CEMAC Bankers’ Days, aiming to turn regional financing debates into signed deals—especially for SMEs, infrastructure, agriculture and cross-border payments. Energy Deal-Making: African Energy Week 2026 is set to turn Cape Town into a continent-wide energy marketplace (Oct. 12–16), with ministers, national oil companies, financiers and operators lined up for live deal signings and matchmaking. Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria Customs completed a full-cycle operation repatriating rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo, with DHL logistics support and CITES-backed return to Tchimpounga near Pointe-Noire. Diplomacy in France: Congo’s consular mission in Lyon held a citizens’ assembly focused on practical issues like passports, consular services and voting access for Congolese in France. Mining Update: Gerald Group took full control of Soremi in M’Fouati (Bouenza), targeting renewed momentum for the copper and zinc complex. Tourism Push: Brazzaville marked World Tourism Day by pitching digital tools and AI to lift tourism’s GDP share from 3% toward nearly 10%.

Wildlife & Logistics: DHL Express helped move Bili, a young rescued gorilla, from Nigeria to the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo’s Tchimpounga rehabilitation center near Pointe-Noire, with Nigeria and Congo authorities and conservation partners coordinating the full cross-border transfer. Consular Affairs in France: Congo’s embassy in Lyon held a “mbongui” with Congolese residents, with passports and consular services topping the agenda during the city’s annual consular festival. Tourism Strategy: On World Tourism Day, Brazzaville pushed a digital and AI-backed plan to boost Congo’s tourism profile and raise tourism’s GDP share from 3% toward nearly 10%. Infrastructure & Data: The Republic of Congo targets a late-2026 launch for its delayed national data centre, with officials saying a Chinese contractor assured completion on schedule. Private Sector & Mining: World Bank Group named Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its Congo resident representative, while Gerald Group took full control of the Soremi copper and zinc complex at M’Fouati in Bouenza. Business Transition: Hitachi reshaped its dealer network across West and Central Africa, appointing MDA as its authorized dealer for construction equipment in Congo and several neighboring markets.

Wildlife Repatriation: Nigeria Customs says it has completed its first full-cycle international wildlife operation by repatriating rescued baby gorilla “Bili” to the Republic of Congo after a DNA test confirmed her origin, with rehabilitation in Calabar and airlift to Pointe-Noire supported under CITES. Diplomacy & Culture: Congo-Brazzaville joined Lyon’s consular festival, with Congolese embassy officials and diaspora groups showcasing folk tales and heritage at the city’s annual “Tales and Legends of the World” event. Infrastructure & Digital Push: The Republic of Congo targets a late-2026 launch for a delayed national data centre, with officials citing construction progress and linking the project’s readiness to power supply. Finance & Development: The World Bank Group appointed IFC veteran Charlotte Ndaw Sako as its resident representative for Congo, aiming to turn a large portfolio and pipeline into results. Business & Industry: Hitachi is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, naming MDA as its authorised dealer for construction equipment in Congo and other markets. Governance & Oversight: Congo’s regulator COSUMAF revoked Axiome Capital’s license and ordered liquidation after the firm failed to conduct market activity.