Council Approves Record Budget for 2026
During a meeting on December 19, 2025, at the Radisson Blu in Brazzaville, the Board of Directors of the Autonomous Port of Brazzaville and Secondary Ports approved the authority’s 2026 financial plan after confirming a quorum and amending the agenda to reflect late technical notes.
Revenue Outlook Exceeds 2.24 Billion CFA Francs
The adopted plan forecasts total revenue of 2,769,838,067 CFA francs, with 2,240,078,620 francs coming from commercial turnover and 529,759,447 francs from the gradual recovery of past investment subsidies. Management describes the forecast as prudent, citing moderate growth in traffic on the Congo River corridor.
Expenses Calibrated for Efficiency
Operating expenses are capped at 2,100,059,500 CFA francs, while 510 million francs are reserved for depreciation. The structure prioritizes maintenance and staff productivity, “enabling the port to do more with every franc.”
Capital Expenditure: 891 Million CFA Francs
Investment expenditure reaches 891 million CFA francs. Ninety-one million will come from internal resources, with the balance financed by soft loans authorized by the board. Negotiations with regional banks and development partners are underway to secure the 800-million-franc facility by mid-2026.
Projected Net Surplus Strengthens Solvency
After expenses, the port authority anticipates a positive net result of 111,849,897 CFA francs, extending a series of surplus years that began in 2023. This figure is seen as a buffer against any freight volatility related to oil price cycles or regional rainfall patterns.
Governance Reforms Receive Approval
Beyond the budget, the directors approved a reorganized organizational chart designed to streamline reporting lines in the areas of dredging, cargo handling, and finance. The revised chart, first proposed in September, aligns the authority with new guidelines for public enterprises issued by the Prime Minister’s office.
Activity Report Highlights Key 2025 Milestones
The board noted the review of 2025 performance, citing improved vessel turnaround times and the commissioning of an enhanced navigation aid system between Brazzaville and Impfondo. Tonnage handled remained broadly stable, supported by timber exports and imports of refined products for northern departments.
Database Sabotage and Lessons Learned
Directors received a security briefing on the recent SQL server data breach. Although no critical cargo information was lost, the incident triggered an immediate backup overhaul and the acceleration of a cyber-resilience module in the 2026 investment schedule.
Crane Rental Arrears Addressed
The board reviewed the outstanding payment from Terminal Brazzaville-Congo for heavy-lift crane rental. Management reported constructive discussions and a settlement schedule extending into the first quarter of 2026, a timeline board members described as “acceptable for cash flow preservation.”
Expanded Financing Mandate
A separate resolution authorizes the Director-General to mobilize additional resources if market rates prove favorable. It was emphasized that “port expansion is essential to Congo’s diversification agenda,” referring to ongoing discussions about private-sector participation in new barge berths and cold-chain warehouses.
Port’s Strategic Weight in River Trade
Brazzaville accounts for over 60 percent of national river traffic, connecting inland producers to the deep-water facilities in Pointe-Noire via multimodal routes. Efficient river logistics can reduce inland freight costs by up to 15 percent, boosting regional competitiveness.
Stakeholders Welcome Clarity
Transport unions welcomed the early publication of the 2026 budget, stating it allows operators to plan chartering rates months in advance. A fishing cooperative official noted that predictable dredging schedules are “vital for getting perishable goods to markets on time.”
Regional Cooperation Prospects
Discussions with Kinshasa port authorities are mentioned to harmonize customs procedures on the Congo River, a move expected to speed up container transit. Observers believe progress could unlock new revenue streams for PABPS without heavy capital investment.
Climate Resilience Considerations
The budget allocates funds for hydro-sedimentary studies aimed at mitigating low-water constraints during dry seasons. Integrated river flow management is deemed critical for maintaining navigation amid increasingly erratic rainfall patterns.
Human Capital Highlighted
Training sessions on cargo digitization, workplace safety, and English proficiency are part of the 2026 human resources plan. It is emphasized that a skilled workforce is crucial for meeting International Maritime Organization standards and attracting new shipping lines.
Leadership Calls for Collective Effort
Closing the session, a call was made to staff to “remain mobilized around the objectives the nation has set for its river economy.” The focus was on teamwork, on-time project delivery, and transparent reporting as pillars for maintaining investor confidence.
Positive but Cautious Outlook
With a balanced budget, a moderate surplus, and a clear investment roadmap, PABPS enters 2026 on solid footing. However, leadership warns of global freight uncertainties and river hydrology that require constant vigilance.
Christmas Generosity Lights Up Brazzaville
On Christmas Day, nearly four hundred young people from Brazzaville parishes entered the bright conference hall, their eyes shining with anticipation. Within minutes, Antoinette Sassou N’Guesso — First Lady and President of the Congo Assistance Foundation — stepped forward carrying wrapped bicycles, dolls, and board games.
She greeted the choir members who were still humming a hymn based on Matthew 19:14, the Scripture chosen for the ecumenical service that had opened the ceremony. Applause erupted as the children, representing the