The Republic of Congo is to create a Congolese gas office to open the door to new investors and make better use of its gas resources, whose reserves are estimated at 284 billion cubic metres. The first Congo Energy and Investment Forum, held from 24 to 26 March 2025 in Kintélé in the Republic of Congo, provided an opportunity for international investors and local players to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.
The Republic of Congo’s hydrocarbons minister, Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, announced the creation of a national gas office on the sidelines of the first Congo Energy and Investment Forum, held in Kintélé from 25 to 26 March 2025. One of the aims of setting up this institution in the country is to open the door to new investors and make better use of the country’s gas resources.
The Congolese government is also working to improve the attractiveness of taxation in the hydrocarbon sector in order to fully exploit the potential of the country’s hydrocarbon market. The country has taken proactive steps to make its energy sector more attractive to investors by launching a new licensing round aimed at accelerating oil and gas exploration and production activities. A new Gas Code, expected in 2025, will as well provide a clear legislative framework for gas monetisation, fiscal conditions and resource management.
‘What we want is for gas to be developed, so that’s why we’re planning to create a Congolese gas office, which will be responsible for doing what the oil companies don’t want to do with gas. There’s this gas code I mentioned, there’s this gas master plan, we’ve also decided to develop local content, which is very important, we held a very big conference last year, and we’re going to hold another one in October, which will be an African conference.’
Bruno Jean Richard ITOUA, minister for Hydrocarbons – Congo
Key gas monetization initiatives in the country include energy major Eni’s Congo LNG project and Chinese developer Wing Wah’s Banga Kayo project. These projects highlight the country’s dedication to advancing its energy infrastructure and diversifying revenue streams within the sector.
