The Republic of the Congo is preparing for the first Congo Energy and Investment Forum (CEIF), which will take place from March 24 to 26, 2025, in Brazzaville. This event will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore energy and infrastructure opportunities in the country.
The CEIF will focus on modernizing Congo’s energy infrastructure and addressing energy insecurity. Key topics at the forum will include gas-to-power conversion projects, such as the Djeno power plant, which is set to begin operations with a 25 MW turbine in March 2024. This plant, previously powered by oil, has been converted to use natural gas from Eni’s Marine XII and M’Boundi fields, marking a step toward more sustainable energy sources.
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The forum will also discuss government efforts to increase refining capacity in the country, with the development of the Atlantic Petrochemical Refinery, a new facility being built near Pointe-Noire. This refinery, which is set to begin operations by the end of 2025, aims to produce 2.5 million tons per year of products such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum derivatives.
Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary and CEO of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), will participate in the event, offering his perspective on the importance of strengthening downstream infrastructure in Africa. According to Kragha, fossil fuels are expected to remain a significant part of the continent’s energy mix until 2040. He also emphasizes the need for coordinated regional regulations and market-based pricing to reduce supply chain risks.
The CEIF will provide a platform to discuss these and other key issues related to the energy sector in Central Africa, and it is expected that the forum’s discussions will contribute to the development of policies and strategies to enhance energy security and promote regional cooperation.