Local businesses in the Republic of Congo are now better positioned to compete for contracts with the African Development Bank, following a high-impact seminar held in Brazzaville on September 24, 2025. Organized by the Bank’s Liaison Office, the event brought together representatives from over 100 Congolese companies across diverse sectors, offering them critical insights into procurement procedures, contract management, and supplier registration. This initiative is part of the country’s broader preparations for hosting the Bank’s Annual Meetings in May 2026 and reflects a strategic push to integrate domestic enterprises into regional development financing.
The seminar addressed a glaring disparity in contract distribution: despite the Bank’s institutional procurement volume reaching approximately $103 million in 2024, Congolese firms secured a mere 0.09 percent of that total. Country Economist Olivier Beguy, speaking on behalf of the Bank’s Director-General for Central Africa, emphasized the need to raise awareness and build capacity among local businesses to ensure they can seize upcoming opportunities. The event also served as a platform for dialogue, allowing stakeholders to share feedback that could help tailor procurement procedures to the local context and improve the Bank’s internal systems.
Congo’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, Ludovic Ngatsé, who also serves as the Bank’s Governor for the country, highlighted the importance of enabling domestic companies to benefit from the Bank’s projects. He noted that the volume of contracts available through these programs represents a significant opportunity for national economic growth, job creation, and private sector development. As a direct outcome of the seminar, more than 105 companies were added to the Bank’s supplier database, a crucial step toward qualifying for future procurement contracts and participating in the Bank’s initiatives.
Marcelle Akposso, Head of the Bank’s Institutional Procurement Division, praised the quality and diversity of the participating companies, expressing confidence in their ability to meet the demands of the upcoming Annual Meetings. The African Development Bank has maintained a strong presence in the Republic of Congo since 1972, financing projects worth $1.27 billion. As of June 30, 2025, its active portfolio in the country includes nine sovereign operations valued at approximately $223.3 million, spanning key sectors such as transport, energy, agriculture, and social development.
This seminar marks a turning point in the Republic of Congo’s efforts to empower its private sector and deepen its engagement with international development institutions. By equipping local businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate complex procurement systems, the country is fostering a more inclusive and competitive economic environment. The initiative not only enhances transparency and capacity but also strengthens the link between global financing and local enterprise, paving the way for sustainable growth and regional integration.