Republic of the Congo: economy

What is the GDP growth rate of the Republic of the Congo?

The Republic of the Congo's real GDP grew 3.4% in 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) quarterly national accounts for the fourth quarter of 2025. Oil GDP grew 3.9% and non-oil GDP 3.2%. In the fourth quarter alone, GDP was 5.3% higher than a year earlier. Growth in 2024 was 2.2%.

The INS splits GDP into oil and non-oil activity because crude oil dominates exports and public revenue. The quarterly accounts are in constant prices, so they show changes in volume. The INS notes that oil production data and some public spending data were revised from the first quarter of 2025.

Official sources: INS: quarterly national accounts, Q4 2025 (PDF) · INS: national accounts page

What is the inflation rate in the Republic of the Congo?

Consumer prices in the Republic of the Congo were 4.4% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS). Prices fell 1.5% during the month, mainly because food and non-alcoholic drinks became 2.4% cheaper. Inflation measured as an annual average was 2.3%.

The INS measures inflation the CEMAC way: the average index of the last twelve months compared with the twelve months before. That figure is compared with the CEMAC convergence ceiling of 3%. The year-on-year change compares August with August, so it moves faster. The index covers Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Dolisie, Owando and Ouesso.

Official sources: INS: consumer price index bulletin, August 2026 (PDF) · INS: price statistics page

What is the interest rate in the Republic of the Congo?

The main policy rate for the Republic of the Congo is 4.50%, set by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC), which kept it unchanged on 28 September 2026. The marginal lending facility rate is 5.75% and the deposit facility rate 0.00%. Reserve requirements are 6.50% on sight deposits and 4.00% on term deposits.

The Congo uses the CFA franc of Central Africa with five other CEMAC countries, so the BEAC sets one rate for the whole zone. Its main rate is the rate on its tender operations with banks. In the same statement, the BEAC forecast CEMAC growth of 3.0% and average inflation of 2.2% for 2026.

Official sources: BEAC: Monetary Policy Committee press release, 28 September 2026 (PDF)

What does the Republic of the Congo export?

The Republic of the Congo exported goods worth 4,038.4 billion CFA francs in 2025, 8.0% less than in 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS). Crude oil made up 2,812.0 billion, or 69.6% of exports. Imports reached 2,688.5 billion CFA francs, leaving a trade surplus of 1,349.9 billion, 26.4% lower than in 2024.

After crude oil, the next exports were petroleum oils (161.1 billion CFA francs), sawn wood (98.2 billion) and logs (57.7 billion). Because oil dominates, export values move closely with oil prices and output. The INS foreign trade bulletin covers goods only, not services.

Official sources: INS: foreign trade bulletin, 2025 (PDF) · INS: foreign trade page

How fast is the Republic of the Congo's economy growing?

In 2025, real GDP growth in the Republic of the Congo was 3.1%, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2009, at 11.6%; its low point was 2016, at -8.7%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 4.6%; the Republic of the Congo is 34th highest of 46. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 95th highest.

How rich is the Republic of the Congo per person?

According to the World Bank, GDP per person in the Republic of the Congo was $2,515 in 2025. The peak was $3,732 in 2012 and the low $1,799 in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $1,351; the Republic of the Congo is 15th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 142nd of 180.

What is the Republic of the Congo's GDP per capita at PPP?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $7,248 in international dollars. That is the highest since at least 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $4,425 in international dollars; the Republic of the Congo is 15th highest of 46. Worldwide: 136th of 179.

What share of the Republic of the Congo's economy is exports?

In 2025, exports of goods and services in the Republic of the Congo was 48.0% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 40.7% of GDP (2020) to 77.5% of GDP (2006). It is 5th highest of 38 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 26.1% of GDP. Of 133 countries with 2025 data, 38th highest.

Does the Republic of the Congo have a current account surplus or deficit?

11.6% of GDP: that is the current account balance in the Republic of the Congo for 2021, according to the IMF. The peak was 13.7% of GDP in 2012 and the low -37.2% of GDP in 2015. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -4.2% of GDP, and the Republic of the Congo placed 3rd highest of 41. Worldwide: 16th of 173.

What is FDI in the Republic of the Congo?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 3.7% of GDP. The peak was 34.4% of GDP in 2015 and the low -29.9% of GDP in 2018. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 2.0% of GDP, and the Republic of the Congo placed 16th highest of 46. Worldwide: 52nd of 179.