Investing in Congo can seem daunting to an outsider, and investors should strongly consider seeking the advice of companies with experience in the country.  The Republic of Congo ranks 180 out of 190 in the World Bank’s 2020 Ease of Doing Business Index.  This ranking highlights the numerous challenges that investors face in Congo, including corruption, poor infrastructure, a weak judicial system, and an inadequately trained workforce. 

The absence of a true middle class, lack of western-standard health care, and a tight housing market may make 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 Congo, located across the Congo River from Brazzaville. Two new roads connect Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville, but both main roads run through the Pool region.  Although peaceful since December 2017, the Pool region has seen periodic violent attacks against commercial vehicles, civilians, and military personnel.

The boat connection between Brazzaville and Kinshasa takes about ten minutes excluding time spent on immigration formalities on either side, which can be significant.