Author: Congo Times

A Strategic Investment in Airport Infrastructure The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has declared an ambitious investment of over R21 billion dedicated to airport infrastructure development over the coming five years. At the core of this decision lies the need to enhance the operational capacity of South Africa’s airports, which play a pivotal role in the nation’s economy. With their contribution extending to over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, these airports are a critical asset that requires continual upgrades to maintain competitiveness on a global scale. Responding to Infrastructure Challenges The impetus for this substantial investment stems partly from…

Academic Synergy as a Diplomatic Tool On June 19, a pivotal meeting took place in Brazzaville where Congo’s Minister of Higher Education, Pr Delphine Edith Emmanuel, and Venezuela’s Ambassador to Congo, Laura Evangelia Suárez, discussed strategic academic cooperation. This dialogue aimed at invigorating South-South cooperation within the university sector, adhering to the roadmap established during the first Congo-Venezuela Joint Commission in early 2023. A Roadmap for Enhanced Educational Exchange The conversation underscored the necessity of constructing a team of experts from both nations to implement the existing agreement on higher education. This initiative reflects a broader vision where Venezuela’s experience…

U.S. Tariffs: A Catalyst for Intra-African Trade? The recent announcement by the United States to impose tariffs as high as 50% on African imports has paradoxically been framed by some African policymakers as an opportunity. Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso, Congo’s Minister of International Cooperation, articulated this perspective during his visit to China. In an interview with CGTN, he expressed the view that these tariffs could inadvertently catalyze intra-African trade by compelling nations to focus on regional markets. Enhancing Regional Economic Integration Sassou Nguesso’s statements underscore a strategic reorientation towards fostering economic integration within Africa. He argues that the continent has…

A New Era in Urban Cleanliness On June 19, Albayrak Waste Management began their long-awaited operations in Brazzaville, Congo’s capital, marking a pivotal transition in the city’s approach to urban sanitation. This development follows the expiration of Averda’s contract, with Albayrak stepping up to handle waste collection in both Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. The contract, originating from a public service delegation agreement signed on April 23, places Albayrak at the forefront of the city’s sanitation ambitions. The On-the-Ground Reality Since the commencement of operations, Albayrak’s technical teams have diligently worked across Brazzaville, managing household waste collection and street cleaning. Their efforts…

Apec and Rac Foster Cooperative Dialogue In a momentous stride toward constructive consumer relations, the Association professionnelle des établissements de crédit du Congo (Apec), comprising nine major banks, has inked a landmark agreement with the Réseau des associations des consommateurs (Rac), which represents seven consumer groups. This agreement, formalized on June 13, 2025, at a ceremonial signing in Brazzaville, aims to establish a continuous dialogue fostering mutual understanding and problem-solving within the banking sector. Signatories Pledge to Cultivate Ongoing Communication The agreement was officiated by Calixte Tabangoli, Director General of the Banque postale du Congo and President of Apec, alongside…

Geographical and Historical Roots The Republic of the Congo, commonly referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, is strategically positioned on the western coast of Central Africa. Nestled to the west of the Congo River, it shares its borders with Gabon to the west, Cameroon to the northwest, the Central African Republic to the northeast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southeast, the Angolan exclave of Cabinda to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. The region has a rich tapestry of history woven by Bantu-speaking tribes, whose presence dates back at least 3,000 years. These tribes formed vital…

A Nation on the Brink of Decision As the Côte d’Ivoire marches towards its upcoming presidential election in four months, the political tension is palpable. The official declaration of candidacies remains a contentious issue, particularly within the opposition ranks. The scene is reminiscent of the post-1993 era following the death of Felix Houphouët-Boigny, when the landscape was dominated by five key figures. Today, two main players remain: Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara, whose dynamic promises to play a significant role in the nation’s future trajectory. Echoes of a Turbulent Past The recent history of Côte d’Ivoire has seen shared narratives…

Collaborative Diplomatic Initiatives In a strategic meeting held on June 19, Maurizio Cascioli, director of the French Development Agency (AFD), reaffirmed to the Congolese Minister of Urban Sanitation, Local Development, and Road Maintenance, Juste Désiré Mondelé, the imminent commencement of drainage projects for Tsiémé River in Brazzaville. These efforts, also aimed at flood prevention in downtown Pointe-Noire, represent a critical joint venture between France and Congo. Cascioli underscored the progress made in securing a suitable contractor, as discussed with the Directorate-General of Great Works, poised to steward these ongoing endeavors. Community and Environmental Impact The urgency of this project is…

Strategic Overview Amidst Global Tensions The 2024 annual meeting of the Pointe-Noire Port Authority (PAPN) took place on June 20 under the guidance of Jean-Louis Osso, advisor to the Head of State and Chair of the Board. This year’s discussions highlighted the port’s resilience amidst prevailing financial navigational challenges and geopolitical tensions. Remarkably, PAPN has maintained and even boosted its performance, reflecting its steadfast commitment to stakeholders. The Port’s Developmental Trajectory Central to the session were the initiatives towards strengthening and diversifying the port’s developmental trajectory, as part of an urgent implementation of its master development plan and a five-year…

Morocco’s Strategic Engagement in Africa In a resounding testament to Morocco’s burgeoning role in African economic integration, Laâyoune has recently hosted a landmark gathering of business leaders from across the continent. This significant event was underscored by the signing of a pivotal cooperation agreement between the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and several African member states’ business federations from the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). Laâyoune and Dakhla: Hubs of Investment and Innovation The initiative held in the Sahara’s largest city mirrors Morocco’s strategic vision of transforming Laâyoune and Dakhla into robust centers for investment, innovation,…