Congo promotes local content

With an aim to enhance transparency and local integration, the Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua recently launched a registration campaign for subcontracting and service companies in the oil and gas industry

This comes as part of Congo's Hydrocarbons Code which puts Congolese nationalists first. It advances a comprehensive law on local content, with internationl partnerships forged on the basis of knowledge sharing and capacity building. This will allow the region to benefit from its rich natural resources through job ccreation, technology transfer and building local expertise.

In line with its economic goals, the government has established policies to ensure that Congo’s energy sector benefits local businesses and workers.

While the government sets the framework, private sector companies are taking proactive steps to promote local content. Energy supermajor TotalEnergies employs around 600 local staff in Congo compared to just 40 expatriates, showcasing it commitment to workplace integration. The company also invests in training and development programs to equip Congolese employees with the skills needed for higher-level roles. In June 2024, TotalEnergies committed $600 million to expand production at the Moho Nord offshore field, with a focus on involving local subcontractors and training programs.

Similarly, Italian multinational energy company Eni is investing in local workforce development. As part of its efforts to prepare for the launch of LNG production last year, the company trained 40 Congolese employees in liquefaction technologies. This initiative helped to ensure that Congo has the skilled workforce its needs to manage LNG facilities and reduce reliance on foreign specialists.