Author: Congo Times

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,…

Revitalizing Land Management in Makoua: A Collaborative Venture In a keen move to bolster land management frameworks, an FAO-financed initiative commenced in Brazzaville on June 20th. The project, aimed at refining land governance, targets the indigenous land structures within Makoua district, part of the Cuvette Department. The launch heralds a collaborative effort emphasizing capacity-building among stakeholders, aligning with the voluntary guidelines on land tenure, and situating Congolese land policies within a broader African context. Innovative Approaches to Customary Land Use The project unfolds across four principal vectors, notably including a diagnostic assessment of the prevailing land situation, placing particular emphasis…

Fostering Collaboration Through Capacity Building On June 21st, the Observatoire Congolais des Droits de l’Homme (OCDH) launched a pivotal capacity-building workshop in Brazzaville. Drawing in fifty association members from various localities, including the Likouala department, the workshop is centered on refining networking strategies within civil societies. Unpacking the Workshop’s Core Objectives As stressed by the OCDH’s Executive Director, Nina Cynthia Kiyindou Yombo, the workshop places a significant emphasis on demystifying the concepts of networking and advocacy. These themes, while recognizable to many participants, often lack clarity in practical application. The workshop aims to furnish participants with a robust understanding of…