SNPC

Congo
Swiss trader Mercuria struggles with Marine XI licence

The energy and commodity group continues to lend substantial sums to the state-owned oil company in exchange for the marketing of crude oil. Meanwhile, activity on its own block remains minimal.

Congo
Former ENI executive appointed to presidency post

In the government reshuffle, Denis Sassou-Nguesso has appointed Fabrice Davy Okassa as his adviser on hydrocarbons. The move underlines the Italian major's growing influence in the Congolese oil sector.

Congo
New oil chief Stev Simplice Onanga inherits a boom

Appointed on 24 April to head the hydrocarbons portfolio, the new minister takes over at a moment of unusual strength for Congo's oil industry, with fresh investment flowing into the fossil fuels sector.

Congo
Unable to get paid, Swiss multinational SGS exits the country

Global specialist in inspection and certification Société Générale de Surveillance is withdrawing from Congo-Brazzaville. This is due to repeated difficulties in obtaining payment from public authorities, such as with the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo.

Congo
Fragmented campaign set-up for presidential elections

Weakened by internal divisions and palace infighting, President Denis Sassou-Nguesso's campaign is being prepared without, for the time being, calling on major international communications agencies.

Congo
Sassou fine-tunes his campaign team

With four months to go before the presidential election, the head of state is relying on the Parti Congolais du Travail, which is holding its congress at the end of December, and on a small circle of loyalists, while dealing with tensions within his clan.

The New Guard
Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

CongoOumar Semega, the ambitious oil trader

EthiopiaKal Kassa, the bitcoin prophet

KenyaAlamin Siwa Somo, the aspiring senator

Senegal
SAR boss sails troubled waters

Challenged internally, the CEO of Senegal's only refinery is experiencing significant difficulties in getting paid by the national electricity company.

Congo
SNPC's expansion into gas exasperates Ministry of Hydrocarbons

The establishment of a new "gas and new energies" division within the national oil company is perceived internally as a move to favour the SNPC at the expense of its supervisory ministry.

Congo
The political strings behind Denis Christel Sassou-Nguesso's wedding

Several ministers and ambassadors travelled to Dubai mid-May to celebrate the nuptials of the president's son and Nathalie Bumba-Pembe. However, some important clan members declined the invitation.

Congo
Trafigura comes to rescue of SNPC by settling Glencore debt

Brazzaville has obtained pre-financing from Trafigura to settle its debt with Glencore, much to the dismay of international financial institutions.