Brazzaville, August 19, 2026 (TOP243NEWS).- Under the chairmanship of President Denis Sassou N’Guesso, the Council of Ministers met on Tuesday at the Palais du Peuple, under the leadership of Aimé Ange Wilfrid Bininga, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice, Human Rights and the Promotion of Indigenous Peoples, who was acting on behalf of his colleague, the Minister of Communication and Media and Government Spokesperson, who is on an official mission abroad.
The meeting, marked by intense diplomatic, economic and legislative activity, reviewed and adopted several major sectoral reforms while further consolidating the Republic of Congo’s position on the international stage.
Modernizing the Health Sector
The Council of Ministers made progress in regulating medical professions by approving a bill establishing the National Order of Dental Surgeons.
The legislation seeks to better structure and regulate the practice of oral and dental medicine while ensuring that patients receive quality care in accordance with ethical and professional standards.
The future professional body will notably have powers relating to self-regulation, professional discipline and combating the illegal practice of the profession.
Hydrocarbons: New Momentum for Investment
The hydrocarbons sector featured prominently in the Council of Ministers’ deliberations, with the approval of four bills concerning amendments to the Nanga II Bis, Nanga IV, Nanga V and Marine XXIX permits.
These amendments notably provide for an institutionalized high price of $90 per barrel, a measure intended to support the sustainability of investments and secure supplies to the Pointe-Noire refinery.
In addition, the Government approved the restructuring of the “Banga Kayo II” and “Holmoni” permits, with expected investments estimated at $23 billion. These investments are expected to contribute to optimizing national production, particularly in the gas sector.
Environment: Towards Sustainable Management
In accordance with the November 2023 law, the Council of Ministers also adopted a decree establishing the statutes of the National Environmental Agency (ANE).
This public institution, endowed with financial autonomy, will notably be responsible for strengthening the coordination of environmental projects and promoting the integration of ecological concerns into the country’s macroeconomic policies.
Economic Diplomacy and International Outreach
The meeting was also marked by several briefings highlighting the momentum of strategic partnerships developed by the Republic of Congo.
Sino-Congolese cooperation: Vice Prime Minister Jean-Jacques Bouya presented the results of his mission to China, confirming preparations for President Denis Sassou N’Guesso’s forthcoming state visit.
Several advances were recorded, including grant financing for the new Presidential Palace, Congo’s accession to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the launch of six major structural projects, including Corridor 13, the railway and aircraft maintenance.
AfCFTA: The Republic of Congo also intends to strengthen its role within the African Continental Free Trade Area. The country was elected Second Vice-President of the AfCFTA Bureau of Ministers and is expected to host several strategic meetings in Brazzaville by 2028.
Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy: Congo was also recognized for its leadership within ODEPA, with the Head of State being honored as an “Ambassador of African Crafts.”
In the same vein, Brazzaville’s designation to host the African Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy (FORA’ESS) in 2027 further strengthens the country’s position within the dynamics of regional economic integration and cooperation.
Focus on Development 2027–2032
At the close of the Council of Ministers meeting, the President of the Republic reiterated his requirement for an “obligation to deliver results” from members of the Government.
Denis Sassou N’Guesso stressed the need to integrate all these projects into the framework of the forthcoming 2027–2032 National Development Plan.
He also emphasized that the 2027 state budget must support the implementation of the development agenda entitled: “Accelerating the March Towards Development.”
Through these various decisions, the Congolese Government aims to strengthen the country’s economic attractiveness, accelerate investment in strategic sectors and consolidate the Republic of Congo’s economic diplomacy.
Mike Pakoto | TOP243NEWS