Budget Session Opens Amid High Social Expectations
The tenth ordinary budget session of the Congo-Brazzaville National Assembly opened on October 15 in Brazzaville, with the Assembly President telling lawmakers their primary task was to pass “a finance law that meets the people’s most legitimate expectations.”
Addressing a full chamber after the parliamentary recess, the President acknowledged that the social, economic, and political climate remains demanding, and that citizens are eagerly awaiting decisive responses. He urged lawmakers to demonstrate rigor, discipline, and availability throughout the deliberations scheduled until December 23.
Resilience Demonstrated Through Education
While the global environment limits budgetary flexibility, the President insisted the Republic is “on the right track.” He highlighted the nationwide completion of school reopenings as proof of institutional resilience and the government’s determination to maintain essential public services despite constraints.
Education stakeholders were thanked “for this collective effort,” while being warned against disruptions. He appealed for “clarity and patriotism” within the sector to keep classrooms calm during the assembly’s review of the 2026 draft budget, a bill supporting investments in learning.
Innovation Sought for 2026 Finance Bill
For the upcoming finance bill, the lower house plans to support the government in revenue mobilization, digitizing financial procedures, and advancing ongoing reforms. “Without hesitation or procrastination,” lawmakers must support the executive, the President stated, signaling that innovative public-private partnerships will likely feature prominently.
The President reminded colleagues that parliamentary duty extends beyond approving numbers: they must ensure adequate solutions reach households. Development, he noted, is a long road requiring endurance and tenacity, and every vote on allocations should reflect this ethic.
Partners Support Infrastructure Ambitions
He also expressed gratitude to development partners whose continued financial and technical assistance eases public accounts. The International Monetary Fund, African Development Bank, and World Bank were cited for supporting projects to strengthen the power transmission corridor linking Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville.
Lawmakers recently held an interactive exchange with World Bank experts on the institution’s twelfth economic update for Congo, an exercise the President said strengthened their ability to analyze macro-fiscal data before committee hearings begin.
Capacity Building Days to Enhance Oversight
Beyond the budget, the session will host parliamentary days designed to deepen knowledge of government flagship programs like the Accelerated Community Development Program, seen as a key lever for the 2022-2026 National Development Plan.
According to the President, targeted local projects should drive structural transformation in rural and peri-urban areas while boosting growth. Lawmakers will therefore refine oversight tools concerning gender equality, social inclusion, women’s and girls’ empowerment, and the fight against tuberculosis and