RUSSIA has greenlit a draft agreement to construct a major oil pipeline in the Republic of the Congo, marking a significant step in strengthening its influence in Africa. The pipeline will stretch from the port city of Pointe-Noire to Makoulou Pichot, a settlement northeast of Brazzaville, and will pass through the town of Loutete, west of the capital.
Moscow’s approval, confirmed by a decree dated September 14, was made public on Monday through Russia’s government portal. The deal assigns responsibility for the project to the Russian company Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey and Congo’s National Petroleum Company, with both parties required to establish a joint venture within a month of the agreement’s signing. Russia will hold a 90 percent stake in the venture, with Congo owning the remaining 10%.
The concession agreement, which will outline the technical and economic details, is expected to be finalised within three months. This partnership aligns with Russia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with African nations, particularly in the energy sector.
This move comes as part of Russia’s broader strategy to expand its economic footprint across the African continent.
