Brazzaville is recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Music, reflecting its contribution to Congolese rumba and African musical traditions.
The Republic of the Congo
Republic of the CongoMiddle Africa-3:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)French
National CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
National Day(s)15 August (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalBrazzaville
Economic CapitalPointe-Noire
Cultural CapitalBrazzaville
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 10 – 13 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportMaya-Maya International Airport (Brazzaville)
Primary PortPort of Pointe-Noire (PNR)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline169 km
Highest PointMount Nabemba (1,020 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverCongo River (Africa’s second-longest river; forms part of the country’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is central to trade and transport)
ClimateTropical; consistently high temperatures and humidity, with a rainy season and a dry season
Border Countries
AngolaCameroonCentral African RepublicDemocratic Republic of the CongoGabon
5Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
The country is home to the critically endangered western lowland gorilla, which lives in its dense tropical forests.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, established in 1935 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.
The Equator passes through the Republic of the Congo, contributing to its tropical climate, with warm temperatures and distinct rainy and dry seasons.
The Congo River is the deepest river in the world, with recorded depths exceeding 220 meters.
Saka saka is a popular dish made from cassava leaves, which are cooked until tender and often served with fish or meat.
Brazzaville and Kinshasa are two national capitals facing each other across the Congo River.
Much of the Republic of the Congo is covered by tropical rainforest, forming part of the Congo Basin, home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest.
Nouabale Ndoki National Park is part of the Sangha Trinational, a huge protected forest shared by the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon and the Central African Republic.
Brazzaville is home to the Poto-Poto School of Painting, founded in 1951 and known for its distinctive Congolese art.
The Diosso Gorge, near Pointe-Noire, is often nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Congo” for its striking red and ochre cliffs, some of which rise to around 50 meters.
Brazzaville is famous for La Sape, a cultural movement whose followers, known as sapeurs, celebrate elegance through colorful suits, elaborate fashion and personal style.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | Republic of the CongoUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso
Since October 1997
H.E. Dr. Anatole Collinet Makosso
Since May 2021
H.E. Constant Serge Bounda
Since April 2026
H.E. Christian Yoka
Since January 2025
H.E. Raymond Zephirin Mboulou
Since April 2026
Political Summary
Political System
Semi-Presidential Republic
The President is Head of State and appoints the Prime Minister, who heads the Government and is responsible for economic and social policy before the National Assembly.
Ruling Party
Congolese Party of Labour (PCT): Centre-left (since 1997)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (UPADS): Centre-leftUnion of Humanist Democrats (UDH-Yuki): Centre
Next Presidential Election
Expected in March 2031
Next Legislative Election
Expected in July 2027
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
42Organizations
25Member
2Founding Member
3Partner, Observer or Participant
12Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Republic of the Congo | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations21 May 200719 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
No Accredited AmbassadorForeign Ambassador
No Accredited AmbassadorLast Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo0
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Republic of the Congo Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Republic of the Congo | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Signed | Signed on 8 Apr 2025. |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Signed | Signed on 13 Mar 2023. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Signed | Signed on 13 Mar 2023. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 13 Mar 2023. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Republic of the Congo | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateApr2026
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateFeb2026
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateMar2025
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateMar2023
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Denis Sassou NguessoPresident of the Republic of the CongoApr2025
- H.E. Denis Sassou NguessoPresident of the Republic of the CongoFeb2024
- H.E. Denis Sassou NguessoPresident of the Republic of the CongoNov2023
- H.E. Denis Sassou NguessoPresident of the Republic of the CongoJun2023
- H.E. Denis Christel Sassou NguessoMinister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership of the Republic of the CongoMar2023
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)-
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)501.3USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Congolese Companies in the UAE
Imperatus EnergyOil and gas trading, energy logistics
Major UAE Companies in the Republic of the Congo
DP World-
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research