Republic of the Congo

Strategically positioned in Central Africa, the Republic of Congo has a population of a little over 6 million, with more than half under the age of 20. Civil wars and militia conflicts have plagued the Republic of Congo since its independence from France in 1960. Still, Congo is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest producers of oil, representing the largest sector of the economy and contributing about 60% of the government’s revenue. The non-oil sectors include abundant agricultural and mineral resources, logging, telecommunications, and construction.

Highly urbanized, with more than half of the population living in the main cities of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, in recent years the country has made significant investments in its transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure. However, important challenges to the country’s full economic and social development remain. These include widespread extreme poverty, extensive state control in the economy, corruption and a slow pace of reform, and a volatile security situation in the eastern part of the country due to the presence of multiple armed militias. Furthermore, the poorly diversified economy is exposed to fluctuations in commodity prices and climate shocks.