Congo possesses natural riches in abundance and the economy relies on the export of natural resources.  Oil exports account for 55 percent of gross domestic product, 85 percent of export value, and 80 percent of government revenue.  

To reduce dependency on the oil sector, the government seeks to attract foreign investors in the forestry, agriculture, construction, ecotourism, transport, mining, and information technology services sectors. The increasing conversion of natural gas to electricity could improve investment prospects in the energy sector as well. 

Investing in Congo can be challenging, but the country also offers enormous potential to those willing to invest the time toward understanding Congo’s business environment.    

1.  Thousands of Congolese products can be exported to the United States duty-free.

2.  Congo offers access to modern, internationally-certified airports and a deepwater seaport.

3. An overemphasis on the oil sector has left other sectors ripe for investment and quality  U.S. exports.

4.  Congo’s currency, the Central African Franc, is pegged to the Euro and stable.

5. In a sensitive and sometimes volatile region, Congo offers stability and security to businesses.

The World Bank estimates Congo’s 2019 exports at $8.38 billion and imports of $3.77 billion.  Congo’s biggest trading partners include France, China, the United States, and Italy.  China is the biggest exporter of goods to Congo.  China and the United States are the biggest importers of Congolese goods, mostly petroleum products. 

Congo is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (Communauté Economique et Monétaire de l’Afrique Centrale, CEMAC), and the Bank of Central African States (Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale, BEAC).

Political & Economic Environment:  State Department’s website for background on the country’s political environment.