The Republic of Congo, an oil-rich nation, is considering the feasibility of establishing an oil refinery in collaboration with the Central African Republic and Russia.
This initiative follows a joint plan to construct an oil pipeline within the Congolese state.
Jocelin Patrick Mandzela, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Congo in St. Petersburg, shared with Russian media that both nations aim to work together on the refinery project, as reported by Sputnik.
“Our country has significant potential in the gas sector, hydroelectric power generation, and renewable energy sources,” noted Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons.
“An oil refinery with Russian participation is also expected to be built in Congo,” Mandzela added.
An agreement has already been signed to construct a pipeline for transporting oil products, with the refinery project seen as the next logical step. Mandzela also expressed Congo’s openness to Russian partnerships in agriculture and tourism.
This sentiment was echoed by Minister Itoua during the Russian Energy Week in Moscow, where he urged Russian businesses to invest in Congo’s oil, gas, minerals, and energy sectors.
“We have a long history of cooperation with Russia, and now we want to strengthen economic ties, particularly in energy,” he stated.
Mandzela highlighted recent developments, noting that during a recent intergovernmental commission meeting, Congo and Russia signed several agreements and held private discussions with major Russian companies. “While I cannot disclose details yet, I am confident we will see results soon,” he added.
In July 2024, Russia’s Rosatom signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate with Congo on hydropower and peaceful nuclear energy, with Minister Itoua confirming progress on the project.
In September, Russia tentatively agreed to build an oil pipeline connecting the western port of Pointe-Noire to the capital, Brazzaville, with a joint venture in which Russia would hold a 90% stake.
Russia has committed to providing funds, equipment, and manpower for the pipeline construction, as well as fuel for it, while the Republic of Congo will offer various tax breaks.
Additionally, Russia plans to supply mobile laboratories to both Ethiopia and the Republic of Congo.
