Oil set to drive Congo’s growth again
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vox Congo
Expected growth in oil production and global prices should accelerate economic activity in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026, according to World Bank representative Charlotte Ndaw Sako. The report nevertheless highlights the fragility of this improvement amid energy constraints, fuel shortages and payment arrears, reports Vox Congo.
The World Bank representative in Congo, Charlotte Ndaw Sako, said on 10 November in Brazzaville that oil production and rising international prices should accelerate economic activity in the Republic of the Congo in 2026 and temporarily improve some macroeconomic balances. She was presenting the country’s 13th economic and financial situation monitoring report.
The report estimates that this improvement gives Congo some fiscal room for manoeuvre, but highlights the fragility of this trend. Energy constraints, difficulties in fuel supplies, limited access to financing and accumulating payment arrears continue to weigh on non-oil sectors and economic diversification.
Charlotte Ndaw Sako also noted that payment arrears are a major factor in fiscal vulnerability. Their accumulation weakens companies’ cash flow, reduces private investment and limits the state’s ability to finance its development responsibilities, according to the World Bank report.
