Investing in the Republic of the Congo can seem daunting to an outsider, and investors should strongly consider seeking the advice of companies with experience in the country. Its low ranking as a location for doing business is the result of numerous challenges that investors face in the Republic of the Congo, including corruption, poor infrastructure, a weak judicial system, and an inadequately trained workforce.
The absence of a significant middle class, lack of quality health care, and a tight housing market may make the Republic of the Congo less attractive to certain businesses.
Transportation of goods can be challenging. Rail and road linkages between the commercial center of Pointe-Noire and the capital city of Brazzaville are substandard and do not connect with Kinshasa, the capital of the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, located across the Congo River from Brazzaville. Several highways have been completed, connecting the southern port city of Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville and to the northern town of Ouesso on the border with Cameroon and west to neighboring Gabon. However, most roads are in a poor state of repair or are dirt tracks and require an off-road vehicle; during the rainy season, September-December and February-May, they become impassable. Armed soldiers or national police may conduct vehicle searches and check passengers for identity papers. These roadblocks often are poorly marked, and local authorities may target foreigners to solicit bribes.
The boat connection between Brazzaville and Kinshasa takes about ten minutes excluding time spent on immigration formalities on either side, which can be significant. A visa is required to cross the Congo River between Brazzaville and Kinshasa (DRC) in both directions.