Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law the ratification of a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Congo for the construction of a major oil pipeline linking Pointe-Noire, Loutété, Maloukou, and Trechot.
The pipeline, which is expected to be completed within three years, is projected to operate for 30 to 40 years, significantly enhancing the region’s energy infrastructure.
The agreement establishes a partnership between Russian construction firm Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), the Congolese national oil company, which will act as the project’s official client.
A joint venture will be formed, with Russia holding a 90% stake and the Republic of Congo retaining a 10% share.
The partnership will operate under a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) concession model for 25 years, including a guaranteed pumping tariff designed to ensure a favorable return on investment.
The pipeline will run from the coastal city of Pointe-Noire to the capital, Brazzaville, aiming to:
Ensure stable supply of petroleum products across the Republic of Congo and neighboring countries
Lower transportation and logistics costs
Strengthen regional energy security
The project is positioned as a strategic infrastructure development to support economic growth and energy independence in Central Africa.
Under the agreement, the Republic of Congo will provide necessary permits, approvals, and preferential tax and customs regimes to facilitate construction and operation.
Meanwhile, Russia will be solely responsible for securing commercial financing, with no funding required from Russian federal or local budgets.
