Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 Panel Underscores Congo's Potential to Meet Regional Petroleum Demand
The Republic of Congo is well-positioned to contribute toward regional demand for petroleum, given the country's operating Congolaise de Raffinage (CORAF) refinery and strategic geographic location. A downstream panel discussion at the Congo Energy&Investment Forum 2025 highlighted that the modernization of CORAF and future downstream investments can support growing demand for fuel, as Central Africa's population is expected to rapidly grow.
'Congo's population is expected to add five million people by 2050. Geographically, the country is also blessed to be situated next to the DRC. So, you have a massive market right here. I am excited to get to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) [in Congo], but most people don't see crude oil: they use jet fuel, diesel and by-products. We need to talk about infrastructure investments,' stated Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners&Distributors Association.
The Republic of Congo's ambitions to increase oil and gas output to 500,000 bpd and three million tons per annum (mtpa), respectively, coincide with a drive to enhance fuel security in both the country and broader region. At present, the country's CORAF refinery has a processing capacity of one mtpa, converting crude oil into finished products such as butane gas, gasoline, kerosene and light diesel.
'CORAF was designed to work with one million tons of crude petroleum. Today, it continues to satisfy the needs of the local market, catering for between 65% to 70% of demand while the rest is imported to help the country. CORAF is in the process of being modernized in order to increase its production capacity,' stated Richard Ngola, Managing Director: Downstream, Ministry of Hydrocarbons, Republic of Congo.
This modernization started in 2015, when the need to improve operating units became prevalent. According to Patrice Yao, Deputy Administrator at CORAF, 'We designed a development plan to enable new units to be installed and to modernize the piloting system. When the units are old, you have the challenge of maintenance, technological issues and human resources. New units enabled an increase in processing capacity.'
However, Yao believes that this is not enough, and the country needs to increase the quantity of products for the national market while investing in new downstream projects. To increase downstream capacity, the government has initiated the construction of a second facility: the Atlantic Petrochemical Refinery. This facility – developed in partnership with Beijing Fortune Dingheng Investment – will have a capacity of 2.3 mtpa in the first phase, focusing on high-quality gasoline and diesel. Set to start operations in late-2025, the refinery will provide a much-needed boost for the country's downstream sector.
However, Kragha noted that downstream investments need to go beyond refining. 'You need to look not only at the refinery expansion but the supporting infrastructure to be able to deliver on your objectives,' he said.
The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, taking place March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum Returns to Brazzaville in March 2026
The Republic of Congo will host the second edition of the Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) from March 10-12, 2026. As the country gears up for a significant increase in its oil output over the next three years and plans to strengthen its position in the natural gas sector, CEIF – under the theme Invest. Build. Empower: Transforming Congo's Energy Landscape – underscores Congo's growing role in the global energy landscape. The 2025-2026 period promises to be an exciting time for Congo's energy sector. Set to begin operations by December 2025, Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project will enable energy major Eni to increase gas production from 0.6 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 3 mtpa. Meanwhile, the Fouta refinery construction project is expected to start up by the end of the year and is set to produce 2.5 million tons of petroleum products per year – including diesel and gasoline – upon commissioning. These developments highlight the commitment of major operators to position Congo as a global oil and gas producer, with upcoming regulation and investments further supporting this goal. In the gas sector, the country is targeting 3 million tons of LNG per year by this year from Eni's Marine XII development – featuring the Congo LNG project. This target comes on the heels of Congo's February 2024 milestone where the country exported its first LNG cargo from the Tango FLNG facility. The Republic of Congo boasts over 10 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas resources and is set to unveil its Gas Master Plan, launch a National Gas Company and release a new Gas Code this year. Driven by a series of landmark projects spearheaded by industry giants including TotalEnergies, Trident Energy and Perenco, Congo aims to nearly double oil output from the current 280,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd by 2027. With aims to harness untapped reserves and maximize the potential of existing assets, this strategy will focus on expanding production in both new and mature fields. To support this goal, the country is set to launch a new international oil and gas licensing round this year. This initiative is expected to usher in a new wave of investment in sub-Saharan Africa's third-largest oil producing market. The licensing round is designed to attract international oil companies with technical expertise and financial capacity to develop deepwater resources, as well as local and independent companies to exploit marginal fields. At CEIF 2025, Congo unveiled plans to double its power generation capacity to 1,500 MW by 2030, with a strong focus on renewable energy projects. The country holds an estimated hydropower potential of 27,000 MW, though only 1% of this resource has been developed. As such, the government has identified several key projects, including water diversion and storage techniques, to maximize hydropower output. Through a series of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations at CEIF 2026, the event will provide an in-depth look at Congo's investment landscape. The conference will highlight crucial developments across the country's energy sector as well as the broader strategic importance of Congo's energy ambitions. 'CEIF 2026 serves as a vital platform to showcase Congo's dynamic energy transformation. As the country scales up oil and gas production and prioritizes renewables, the conference fosters meaningful dialogue, attracts investment and strengthens partnerships essential to unlocking the full potential of Congo's evolving energy and investment landscape,' states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital&Power. Supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company Société nationale des pétroles du Congo, CEIF 2026 will bring together local, regional and international delegates to explore new partnership opportunities across the energy and investments sectors. This highly anticipated event builds on the success of the inaugural edition, which convened government officials, top investors, IOCs, NOCs, independents and industry experts who shared vital insights into Congo's oil, gas and energy landscape – paving the way for expanded collaboration and professional networking in 2026. For more information and to register your interest for CEIF 2026, please visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
04-04-2025
- Zawya
Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 to Highlight Growth Opportunities in Africa's Downstream Supply Chain
The upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum will host a high-level panel – Downstream Beneficiation: Supply Chain Development for Optimal Performance – as the continent aims to enhance energy security, reduce import dependence and maximize the value of its natural resources. The session will explore how the expansion of Africa's downstream sector can strengthen supply chains, enhance refining capacity and drive sustainable economic growth through infrastructure investment and strategic partnerships. As Africa's energy landscape evolves, optimizing downstream operations is critical to unlocking the full potential of the continent's natural resources. This session will focus on closing the infrastructure finance gap by addressing key challenges such as upgrading refineries, expanding storage and distribution networks, and developing service stations, bottling plants and transport fleets. Panelists will also examine the role of strategic hubs – such as Egypt's petrochemical industry, Equatorial Guinea's Gas Mega Hub and Algeria's emerging green hydrogen sector – in bolstering Africa's supply chain efficiency, along with key regional projects like the Central African Pipeline System and the Lobito Corridor linking Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. IAE 2025 ( is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@ Moderated by James Gooder, VP Crude, Argus Media, the panel will feature industry leaders offering key insights into Africa's downstream sector. Speakers include Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary, African Refiners&Distributors Association; Tarik Berair, Commercial Development Manager, Technip Energies; Fernando Covas, Executive Director, S&P Global Commodity Insights; James Bullen, Head of Downstream, Petredec and Michael Kelly, Chief Advocacy Officer, World Liquid Gas Association. Africa's downstream investment climate is undergoing significant transformation, with several major projects driving the sector's growth including Nigeria's 650,000-bpd Dangote Refinery, Angola's 200,000-bpd Lobito and 100,000-bpd Soyo refineries, and Algeria's 100,000-bpd Hassi Messaoud Refinery. Despite recent refinery closures, South Africa also maintains a well-developed fuel distribution network, retail stations and petrochemical production, while Mozambique is emerging as a key LNG hub, with the Coral South FLNG project already operational and the Rovuma LNG and Mozambique LNG projects currently under development. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in securing adequate financing for infrastructure upgrades and supply chain expansion. Addressing these gaps will require coordinated efforts from governments, private investors and industry stakeholders to develop resilient and efficient downstream operations. The IAE 2025 downstream panel will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss actionable strategies that ensure Africa's energy sector remains competitive, sustainable and responsive to global demand. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
01-04-2025
- Zawya
Africa Energy Bank Gains Momentum with Capital Contributions from Nigeria, Angola and Ghana
In a significant development for Africa's energy sector, Nigeria, Angola and Ghana have fulfilled their capital commitments toward establishing the Africa Energy Bank (AEB). This milestone represents 44% of the minimum required funding from African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) members to initiate the bank's operations. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO, announced this progress during the Congo Energy&Investment Forum last week. The AEB aims to finance oil and gas projects across the continent, addressing funding challenges posed by traditional Western financial institutions' reluctance to support fossil fuel initiatives due to environmental concerns. APPO has requested each of its 18 member states to contribute $83 million, targeting a total initial capitalization of $5 billion. Beyond Nigeria, Angola and Ghana, five additional member states – Algeria, Benin, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast – have pledged to make their payments, aligning with the bank's goal to commence operations in the first half of 2025. Nigeria remains sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil producer, offering significant opportunities in the oil and gas sector, including a 2025 bid round. The implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act has introduced regulatory reforms to enhance transparency and attract investment, driving major projects forward. Recent final investment decisions (FIDs) include TotalEnergies' $550 million Ubeta Gas Field Development and Shell's $5 billion Bonga North Project, yet additional financing is crucial to advancing Nigeria's gas agenda and unlocking its full potential in the energy transition. Angola, meanwhile, is actively diversifying its energy portfolio while advancing major deepwater developments, including TotalEnergies' $6 billion Kaminho Deepwater Project, Eni's Agogo Integrated West Hub and a limited public tender, with a long-term goal of increasing production to 2 million barrels per day. The country plans to make an FID on its first green hydrogen project by 2025 – a 600 MW development led by Sonangol in collaboration with international partners. Additionally, Angola is spearheading its first non-associated gas project, the New Gas Consortium, and undertaking a $12 billion expansion of the Angola LNG plant to enhance its gas monetization efforts. Ghana is strengthening its position as a leading oil and gas player with new commitments from Eni and Tullow Oil. In March, Eni and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation signed an agreement to enhance offshore exploration, optimize existing assets and advance untapped reserves. This follows recent regulatory reforms aimed at improving fiscal terms, transparency and investment incentives. Tullow Oil also remains integral to Ghana's energy sector, with production from the Jubilee and TEN fields supporting economic growth and plans to launch a drilling program in May 2025 to bring new production online. Beyond hydrocarbons, Ghana is modernizing infrastructure, expanding energy access and diversifying into renewables to strengthen long-term energy security. Amid these developments, the establishment of the AEB is a strategic response to Africa's need for dedicated financial institutions that understand the continent's unique energy landscape. By providing tailored financing solutions, the Bank is poised to accelerate energy project development, enhance energy security and drive economic growth. As more countries contribute their capital shares, the bank is expected to play a pivotal role in unlocking investment, bridging financing gaps and ensuring sustainable energy expansion across Africa. With Nigeria, Angola and Ghana contributing their capital shares, the AEB is gaining momentum as a key financial institution for the continent's energy future. African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will serve as a vital platform to advance discussions on the AEB's role in mobilizing investment and bridging financing gaps. The conference will cover strategic topics including upstream oil and gas, downstream infrastructure, the energy transition and power industry developments. Notably, AEW 2025 will feature an energy finance stage dedicated to the latest updates from the AEB, investment trends and strategies to reduce barriers to capital access, ensuring that Africa's energy sector is well-positioned for sustainable growth. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
