Congo News
Cocoa and coffee surge boosts CEMAC’s commodity index
Cocoa and coffee prices jumped 15.3% and 20.3% respectively in Q1 2025 Regional commodity index rose 8.2%, driven by agricultural export gains CEMAC’s commodity-exporting economies enjoyed a short-term reprieve in the first quarter of 2025, as soaring cocoa and coffee prices powered an 8.2% quarterly gain in the Composite Commodity Price Index (ICCPB), according to a new report from the
AU Unveils Bold Fiscal Plan to Cut Debt Dependence
Agenda 2063 proposals include diaspora bonds, e-commerce levy, and a sovereign wealth fund Success hinges on political will and macroeconomic reform, economists warn Lagos, Nigeria – The African Union Commission on Monday announced a suite of fiscal initiatives aimed at reducing Africa’s dependence on external borrowing and building a more resilient financial architecture. The measures—framed as strategic priorities under the
Investor caution builds in CEMAC bond market despite jump in issuance
Outstanding debt rose to CFAF 8.45tn in March, but subscription rate slumped to 60.95% Short-term debt dominates, raising refinancing risks and hampering yield curve development Cotonou, Benin – Central Africa’s sovereign debt market delivered mixed signals in March, with a rise in issuance volumes offset by a sharp drop in investor participation. Data from the Bank of Central African States
Equatorial Guinea’s Mass Deportation of Cameroonians Raises Fears for Regional Integration
Cameroon protests mass expulsions, citing violation of CEMAC free movement rules Experts warn deportations could deter trade, investment, and undermine integration efforts Yaoundé, Cameroon – Equatorial Guinea’s mass deportation of Cameroonians has reignited concerns about the fragility of regional integration in Central Africa, casting fresh doubt over the viability of free movement agreements within the Economic and Monetary Community of
U.S. bill Targets IMF Support to CEMAC Over Disputed FX Reserves
Proposed legislation demands IMF reject environmental funds as official reserves Move could freeze lending to CEMAC states and rattle investor confidence Cotonou, Benin – A new bill introduced in the US Congress threatens to complicate access to International Monetary Fund resources for Central African nations. The draft legislation—dubbed the CEMAC Act—would block US support for any IMF programme involving members
Central African States Boost FX Reserves but Regional Imbalances Persist
Foreign reserves reach CFA7,515 billion ($12.3 billion), up 9.2% Gabon and Chad remain top contributors, while Congo lags behind Cotonou, Benin – The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) saw its foreign exchange reserves rise to CFA7,515 billion (approximately $12.3 billion) in January 2025, marking a 9.2% year-on-year increase, driven by oil revenues, corporate tax payments from the extractive sector,
Congo Targets 63% Debt Reduction as IMF Warns of Distress
Debt-to-GDP ratio remains high at nearly 95% Ambitious plan focuses on repayments and tighter fiscal management Congolese authorities announced plans Thursday to reduce the country’s public debt stock by 63% within five years, responding to concerns highlighted in the latest report from the Congolese Amortization Fund (CCA). The report placed Congo’s total outstanding debt at $14.4 billion—94.74% of GDP—as of
Congo to Roll Out New Gas Code in Bid to Boost Output
New fiscal terms and legislation to reshape hydrocarbons sector Gas output forecast to double as Eni and Wing Wah expand projects Brazzaville, Republic of Congo – The Republic of Congo is preparing to overhaul the fiscal and legal framework governing its hydrocarbons industry as it pivots toward natural gas to drive economic growth and energy access. A new hydrocarbons code,
African Ministers Seek to Leverage AfCFTA for Stronger Trade Amid Global Headwinds
Finance ministers discuss boosting intra-African trade through “Afroshoring” Infrastructure and green financing seen as key to AfCFTA success Abuja, Nigeria – African finance and economic planning ministers meeting in Addis Ababa are exploring strategies to advance the continent’s free trade ambitions amid rising global geopolitical challenges.