The Republic of Congo is positioning 2026 as the pivotal year for transforming from a crude-export economy into an integrated gas and oil powerhouse, targeting 500,000 barrels per day while ramping up liquefied natural gas capacity to 3 million tons per annum following the startup of Congo LNG Phase 2. The strategy combines aggressive upstream investment with domestic gas infrastructure development designed to support long-term economic growth.
Eni’s Nguya FLNG unit commenced operations in December 2025, arriving six months ahead of schedule to join the operational Tango FLNG facility in delivering 3 million tons of annual capacity. This achievement positions Congo as Africa’s fifth-largest LNG exporter behind Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt and Angola. The integrated development draws gas from the Nené and Litchendjili fields in the Marine XII license, where trader Vitol acquired a 25 percent stake in March 2025, signaling growing commercial confidence in Congolese gas prospects.
Upstream expansion remains central to Congo’s growth outlook, with sustained drilling activity planned across offshore and onshore blocks. TotalEnergies committed over $500 million in 2025 to expand production at its flagship Moho Nord complex, which currently delivers 140,000 barrels per day, representing roughly half of national output. The company’s new Nzombo exploration permit, held alongside QatarEnergy and state-owned SNPC, is expected to yield exploration results this year.
Perenco’s $200 million Kombi 2 platform departed the Netherlands in October 2025 and is scheduled for early 2026 operations, targeting additional reserves of 10 million barrels. Wing Wah’s landmark $23 billion agreement signed in August 2025 to develop the Bango Kayo, Holmoni and Cayo permits aims to add 200,000 barrels per day by 2030, representing a massive expansion of the country’s production base.
Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, has emphasized that national development plans depend fundamentally on hydrocarbon sector growth. Congo’s forthcoming Gas Code, presented to parliament in late 2025, establishes the legal framework for exploration, production and monetization of the country’s 10 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves. The legislation defines fiscal terms for commercializing stranded assets and provides governance for the Gas Master Plan developed with consultancy support.
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso has argued forcefully that energy transition must be based on each nation’s resource endowments, stating that development needs cannot be sacrificed in the name of global climate goals. He emphasized that Congo’s transition strategy will leverage its gas and petroleum resources to support industrialization and economic growth rather than abandoning hydrocarbons prematurely.
Downstream expansion is gaining traction with refinery modernization at the CORAF facility in Pointe-Noire, which supplies 70 percent of domestic refined products. The facility is undergoing upgrades under a November 2024 agreement with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR. Meanwhile, the $600 million Atlantic Petrochemical Refinery at Fouta, backed by Beijing Fortune Dingheng Investment, targets 2.5 million tons per annum of capacity and represents a significant expansion of domestic refining capability.
Gas-to-power expansion is central to Congo’s energy security strategy, with government plans to double power generation capacity to 1,500 megawatts by 2030. The strategy leverages hydropower potential estimated at 27,000 megawatts alongside new gas-fired capacity. Wing Wah’s gas monetization project is developing 400 megawatts of gas-fired power, with 200 megawatts designated for the national grid. Eni’s Centrale Électrique du Congo is adding a third turbine and transitioning to combined cycle operations, while transmission line rehabilitation scheduled for completion in September 2026 will reduce losses and stabilize supply to the capital Brazzaville.
Congo’s 2026 trajectory reflects coordinated execution across upstream, midstream and downstream segments. With an onshore licensing round expected to launch this year targeting both deepwater blocks and marginal field opportunities, the government is positioning the country as sub-Saharan Africa’s third-largest oil market while simultaneously building the gas infrastructure required for long-term energy independence and export growth.
Source: energycapitalpower.com