AGP Executive Report

Mining Diplomacy in Paris: The MOTA 2026 Summit opened in Paris with African ministers and investors pushing a “sovereignty, sustainability and partnerships” agenda—seeking more local value from mining without scaring off international capital, and stressing that success now means building jobs and industries “above ground.” Congo Energy Deal-Making: Brazzaville is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in June 2027, aiming to position the Republic of Congo as an energy hub and bring in major oil, financiers and policymakers. Energy Transition Pressure: A World Bank-linked report says Nigeria and eight other countries drove 83%+ of global gas flaring in 2025, as flaring rose for a third straight year—highlighting the climate and waste cost of burning gas instead of capturing it. Conservation Update: New research confirms African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, boosting habitat protection efforts. SNPC Recognition & Cooperation: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga received a top lifetime achievement award at African Energy Week, and SNPC also held talks in Lagos on refined fuel supply and technical cooperation.

Energy Deal-Making: Brazzaville is set to host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in June 2027 at Kintélé, aiming to pull in OPEC, African energy bodies, investors and oil majors to accelerate projects across the Republic of Congo’s oil and gas sector. Conservation Watch: New research has confirmed African manatees in the waterways of the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve, strengthening the case for long-term habitat protection and monitoring. National Oil Spotlight: SNPC boss Maixent Raoul Ominga has been named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award winner at African Energy Week 2026, recognizing decades of leadership and SNPC’s push to broaden and diversify. Regional Energy Links: A SNPC delegation visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to discuss cooperation on refined product supply, energy security and technical collaboration, as Dangote expands refining capacity across Africa. Oil Prices & Budgets: Falling crude price expectations are again squeezing African exporter budgets, with the Republic of Congo named among countries facing renewed fiscal pressure as revenue and foreign-exchange inflows come under strain.

Energy Diplomacy: The Republic of Congo will host the second Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in June 2027 at Kintélé, aiming to draw global investors, OPEC and African energy bodies, and major oil companies to accelerate deals in oil and gas. Oil & Gas Governance: A new World Bank-linked report says global gas flaring rose again in 2025 to 167 billion cubic metres, with nine top flaring countries responsible for most volumes—highlighting the climate and waste costs of burning gas instead of capturing it. Conservation in Congo: New research has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, strengthening the case for protecting the habitat and expanding long-term monitoring. National Energy Recognition: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga has been named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at African Energy Week 2026, spotlighting leadership behind the state oil firm’s growth. Regional Energy Links: SNPC officials visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to explore cooperation on refined product supply and energy security, as Africa pushes for stronger fuel resilience.

Energy & Climate Watch: A new World Bank tracker says global gas flaring rose again in 2025, with nine biggest flarers including Nigeria, which produced about 46% of the world’s oil but accounted for 83%+ of global flaring alongside Russia, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela, Mexico, Libya, Algeria and the United States. Wildlife & Conservation: New research has confirmed African manatees in the waterways of the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve, strengthening calls to protect the reserve’s habitat and expand long-term monitoring. Oil & Industry in the Republic of Congo: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga has been named to receive the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award at African Energy Week 2026, while SNPC also visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to explore refined fuel supply and technical cooperation. Business & Finance: Optasia shares jumped after a trading update, with growth in Ghana, Pakistan, Indonesia and the Republic of Congo helping offset disruptions tied to Nigeria’s lending rules. Public Health Cooperation: Russia says it will expand mobile epidemiological lab support, with plans to deliver such equipment to the Republic of Congo and Ethiopia and train local specialists.

Energy & Environment: A new World Bank-linked report says global gas flaring rose again in 2025, with nine biggest flaring countries responsible for most volumes; Nigeria is among them, despite producing about 46% of the world’s oil, while flaring generated 429 million tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent emissions. Wildlife & Conservation (Republic of Congo): The Jane Goodall Institute says new research has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, with plans for long-term acoustic monitoring and habitat protection. Oil & Industry (Republic of Congo): SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga has been named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award winner at African Energy Week 2026, highlighting his role in strengthening Congo’s national oil company. Business & Finance (Republic of Congo): Optasia reports strong growth and expects revenue gains of up to 60%, citing momentum in markets including the Republic of Congo. Diplomacy: Egypt received credentials from Mongolia’s ambassador, with the Republic of Congo listed among new ambassadors presented to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Oil & Economy: Expectations of falling crude prices are squeezing African exporter budgets, with Republic of Congo named among countries facing a hit as government revenues tied to energy weaken and foreign-exchange inflows come under pressure. Energy Sector (Congo): Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) has been in Lagos to explore cooperation with Dangote on refined fuel supply, energy security, industrial development and technical collaboration, as Dangote pushes major refinery expansion across Africa. Conservation (Congo): The Jane Goodall Institute says new research has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, boosting confidence that habitat protection is working and guiding future monitoring. Digital Payments (Congo): Vidari Group has launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and speeding settlements for freelancers, merchants and small businesses across markets including the Republic of Congo. Aviation & Tourism (Congo-linked): A World Bank Tourism Watch report highlights that while most regional countries saw passenger growth, Gabon and the Republic of Congo recorded estimated declines of 15% in early 2026. Business (Congo): Optasia says its microfinancing growth is strong in Ghana, Pakistan, Indonesia and the Republic of Congo, helping offset disruptions in Nigeria.

Diplomacy: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received credentials from Mongolia’s ambassador, with both sides stressing stronger bilateral ties and a planned visit to Mongolia. Appointments & regional ties: Sisi also received credentials of 17 new ambassadors, including the Republic of Congo, signaling continued diplomatic outreach. Environment & conservation: New research has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, with plans for long-term acoustic monitoring and local technician training. Energy & Congo’s role: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga was named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award winner at African Energy Week 2026, while SNPC also explored cooperation with Dangote’s Lagos refinery on refined product supply and energy security. Business & growth: Optasia reported strong momentum, expecting revenue growth of up to 60% including in the Republic of Congo, as it expands digital microfinancing. Sports: A World Cup piece highlights Africa’s breakthrough as more teams reach the knockout stage, reflecting rising tactical discipline.

Oil & Public Finance: Falling oil price expectations are squeezing budgets across African crude exporters, with Nigeria’s 2026 fiscal plan built on a higher oil benchmark now looking more vulnerable as Brent retreats and foreign-exchange inflows weaken. Wildlife Conservation (Congo-Brazzaville): New listening-device work in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve has confirmed African manatees in the Republic of Congo’s waterways, supporting habitat-protection plans and longer-term acoustic monitoring. Energy Industry (Congo-Brazzaville): SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga has been named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award winner at African Energy Week 2026, while SNPC also visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to explore cooperation on refined product supply and energy security. Digital Payments (Congo-Brazzaville): Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and delays for businesses and freelancers across markets including the Republic of Congo. Health Cooperation (Congo-Brazzaville): Russia says it will expand mobile anti-epidemic lab deployments, with Congo listed among countries targeted for delivery and specialist training.

Oil & Budget Pressure: Falling oil price expectations are renewing pressure on African crude exporters’ budgets, with Nigeria highlighted as especially exposed because crude still drives most foreign-exchange inflows, even as fiscal plans assume higher benchmarks. Congo Energy Spotlight: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga has been named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award winner at African Energy Week 2026, recognizing his role in strengthening Congo’s national oil company. Refining Cooperation: SNPC also visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to explore refined product supply and technical collaboration, as Dangote expands refining capacity across Africa. Conservation Update (Congo): New listening and research efforts in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve have confirmed African manatees in Republic of Congo waterways, supporting habitat protection plans. Digital Payments (Congo): Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform built for freelancers and small businesses, including operations across the Republic of Congo. Business & Mining (Congo): Kore Potash has entered a formal sale process after receiving approaches, with its Congo potash projects in the Sintoukola Basin in focus.

Oil & Public Finance: Falling oil price expectations are again squeezing African crude exporters’ budgets, with Nigeria highlighted as especially exposed because crude remains a major source of foreign exchange even as the sector’s share of GDP shrinks. Energy Security & Refining: Afreximbank says Nigeria’s Dangote refinery helped stabilise the naira by cutting fuel imports and enabling crude-for-naira deals, while SNPC leaders continue exploring refined-product cooperation with Dangote in Lagos. Conservation in Congo: New research confirms African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, pointing to habitat protection gains and the need for long-term monitoring. Digital Payments: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at reducing transaction costs and delays for freelancers and small businesses across markets including the Republic of Congo. Banking & Growth: Optasia shares jumped after a trading update, with revenue growth expectations tied to expansion in Ghana, Pakistan, Indonesia and the Republic of Congo. Aviation Demand: June 2026 data shows the Republic of Congo recording the fastest growth in domestic airline capacity in Africa, with a 31.3% rise in seats.

Wildlife Watch: The Jane Goodall Institute says new research has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, with a January field mission training local technicians and launching plans for long-term acoustic monitoring. Energy & Industry: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga has been named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at African Energy Week 2026, recognizing decades of leadership at Congo’s national oil company. Oil Supply Cooperation: SNPC also visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to discuss refined petroleum supply, energy security, industrial development and technical collaboration. Digital Payments: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and delays for freelancers and small businesses across markets including the Republic of Congo. Aviation Growth: A new ranking of Africa’s busiest airports by outbound seats shows the Republic of Congo recording the fastest domestic capacity growth, up 31.3% year-on-year. Energy Policy Backdrop: A World Bank report highlights rising global gas flaring and the missed opportunity for associated gas to power electricity and support cleaner cooking—an issue that also affects Congo as an oil producer.

Business & Finance: Optasia’s shares jumped over 6% after a strong six-month trading update, with its microfinancing solutions now driving 72% of revenue and the group forecasting at least 50% higher revenue growth (up to 60%) when it reports interim results in September, including momentum in Ghana, Pakistan, Indonesia and the Republic of Congo. Energy Trading: Eni and Mercuria unveiled a 50-50 joint venture in Geneva to expand energy trading across oil, LPG and LNG, with Eni drawing on Mercuria’s trading and risk-management muscle and Mercuria leveraging Eni’s global logistics and export flows, including from the Republic of Congo. Oil & Industry (Congo link): SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga was named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award winner at African Energy Week 2026, while SNPC also visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to explore cooperation on refined product supply and energy security. Digital Payments: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting costs and delays for freelancers and small businesses across markets including the Republic of Congo. Aviation: New data on Africa’s busiest airports by outbound seats shows the Republic of Congo recording the fastest domestic capacity growth in June 2026, up 31.3%.

Congo Basin Science: The UN-backed Science Panel for the Congo Basin (SPCB) has officially presented its 2025 Congo Basin Assessment Report in Brazzaville, aiming to strengthen regional science and guide policy on resilience and sustainability. Oil & Industry Links: SNPC’s Maixent Raoul Ominga and a Congolese delegation visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to explore cooperation on refined fuel supply, energy security, and technical collaboration. Energy & Finance: Afreximbank says Dangote’s refinery helped stabilise Nigeria’s naira by cutting fuel imports and enabling crude-for-naira deals, while also backing refinery expansion with $2.5bn. Banking Growth: GCB Bank reported a strong jump in first-quarter profit and record 2025 results, citing improving loan quality and renewed lending momentum. Digital Payments: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform operating across Nigeria, Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda to reduce transaction barriers for small businesses and freelancers. Health Security: Saudi Arabia is tightening entry screening for travellers from Ebola-affected countries, including the Republic of Congo. Sports & Culture: FIFA suspended Nepal’s football federation over third-party interference, while a Congo-linked immersive church production (“Pray”) is drawing audiences in Baltimore.

Energy & Industry: SNPC boss Maixent Raoul Ominga has been named the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at African Energy Week 2026, honoring his long leadership at Congo’s national oil company. Regional Oil Cooperation: SNPC also visited Dangote’s Lagos refinery to explore cooperation on refined fuel supply, energy security, industrial development and technical collaboration as Dangote expands refining capacity across Africa. Banking & Finance: Afreximbank says the Dangote refinery is already helping ease Nigeria’s foreign-exchange pressure by cutting fuel imports and enabling crude-for-naira transactions, while Afreximbank committed $2.5bn to the refinery’s expansion. Cameroon Business (Regional Watch): Coris Bank International incorporated its Cameroon subsidiary in Douala, setting up a path to full operations after approvals from COBAC and the Ministry of Finance. Digital Payments: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at reducing costs and delays for freelancers and small businesses across African markets. Congo Basin Science: A UN-backed Congo Basin assessment report was presented in Brazzaville, strengthening regional research and policy support for resilience and sustainability. Aviation (Congo in Focus): A June 2026 ranking shows the Republic of Congo recorded the fastest growth in domestic airline capacity, up 31.3% to 122,100 seats.

Energy & Industry: Congo’s national oil company SNPC sent a delegation to Dangote’s Lagos refinery to explore cooperation on refined fuel supply, energy security, industrial development and technical know-how, as Dangote ramps up a continent-wide plan targeting 2.1 million barrels per day of refining capacity and major new investments. Digital Economy: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting costs and delays for freelancers, merchants and small businesses across markets including the Republic of Congo. Electricity Access: A World Bank-backed Mission 300 update says electrification gains are accelerating, with Congo highlighted among the wider push to connect millions more to power. Aviation & Mobility: New data on Africa’s busiest airports by outbound seats shows the Republic of Congo recording the fastest growth in domestic capacity, with a 31.3% jump in June 2026. Sports & Governance: FIFA imposed an indefinite suspension on Nepal’s football federation over third-party interference—an example of how governance rules are being enforced globally. Science for the Congo Basin: UN-backed Congo Basin science work culminated in the presentation of the 2025 Congo Basin Assessment Report in Brazzaville, strengthening regional research and policy support.

Congo Basin Science: The UN-backed Science Panel for the Congo Basin (SPCB) has officially presented its 2025 Congo Basin Assessment Report in Brazzaville, highlighting the Basin’s role as a major tropical carbon sink and warning that the next decade will be decisive for resilience and sustainability. Digital Economy: A new GSMA report says targeted policy and regulatory reforms could unlock XOF 870 billion in value by 2030 in the Republic of Congo, boosting mobile internet access and digital financial services. Energy & Investment: Congo is positioning itself as a more investable hydrocarbon market as LNG exports are set to triple and upstream output targets rise, with reforms aimed at reducing risk and speeding project delivery. Local Business & Finance: GCB Bank’s strong results—record 2025 earnings and a 71% jump in first-quarter profit—show lending recovery and improved loan quality, with the bank recently recognized in Brazzaville at the African Development Bank meetings. Sports & Identity: AJ Dybantsa, whose father is from the Republic of Congo, visited Massachusetts’ State House after being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NBA Draft, while also supporting education and community programmes through his foundation.