Congo

The Republic of the Congo has a population of approximately 6.6 million and a 2025 nominal GDP of $16.31 billion. Its relatively small economic output is almost matched by its low population as is displayed by its GDP per capita of $2,471. The economy is largely dependent on the oil and gas industry which contributes roughly 50% of GDP, around 80% of merchandise exports, and the majority of government revenues. This heavy reliance on hydrocarbons has left the economy highly exposed to fluctuations in global oil prices and production levels. Yet the country’s short-term economic strategy remains focused on petroleum resources although focus has slightly shifted from oil to gas.

The country moved to reduce significant gas flaring through the commercialisation of produced gas when it commissioned the first phase of the Congo LNG project in 2024 - the country’s first. By the end of 2025, the second phase is operational giving a total production capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) enough to monetise the country’s entire country’s gas production. While this guaranteed increased export earnings for the country, it also competes with gas feedstock for domestic power production as it relies heavily on gas-fired power plants. To balance this, SNPC launched a Gas Master Plan aimed at accelerating upstream gas development and at the same time developing domestic power generation, industrial use and LNG exports to ensure offtake. Energy therefore plays a central role in the country's short-term and long-term development.

Electricity generation in Congo is dominated by natural gas, which accounted for approximately 75% of generation, while hydropower contributed around 25%. Installed gas-fired power plants in the country sums up to 566MW in capacity while hydropower makes up 206.5MW. In spite of its 772.5 MW installed power generating capacity and relatively small size, the country remains a net importer of electricity. The country imports about 37% of its electricity needs from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Infrastructural challenges also widen the gap between demand and supply. As of 2024, only about 53% of the population had access to electricity.

Although the Republic of the Congo possesses an estimated 3.9 GW of technically feasible hydropower potential, only a small proportion has been developed, leaving significant scope for future expansion.

To address these challenges, the government is investing in both gas and hydropower infrastructure to strengthen electricity supply and support long-term economic growth. Leveraging its 3.9GW of hydropower potential, the proposed Sounda Hydroelectric Project has become a priority project for the country, expected to add about 778 MW of generating capacity and reverse the overdependence of the energy mix on gas.