President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his first official visit to the Republic of Congo since his election as Senegal’s leader, on February 2-3, 2026, in Brazzaville. The Senegalese President seized this opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries through the signing of around twenty agreements across various sectors.
“The bilateral partnership between Senegal and Congo is now enriched by 20 agreements. 20 agreements that we are currently implementing daily in the cultural sphere, in higher education and research, in trade, and in sports, to name just these areas. For those in the carpentry and cabinet-making sector, obviously raw materials are needed, which is wood—a resource Congo possesses and Senegal needs, and which Senegal imports.”
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic – Senegal
The President of the Republic of Senegal envisions making Brazzaville a strategic axis for his country’s economic strengthening. With oil production having begun in 2024, Senegal aims to benefit from the Republic of Congo’s experience. As Africa’s sixth-largest oil producer with 253,000 barrels per day, the Republic of Congo has over fifty years of expertise in the hydrocarbons sector. This visit, of paramount importance to his Congolese counterpart, is an opportunity to further consolidate the bonds of Pan-Africanism.
“The President here is issuing directives to reawaken Pan-Africanism. We spoke at length with the President. Future generations must hear us. We must revive Pan-Africanism in a harsh world. A world that is restructuring itself, changing before our very eyes. Africa must stand up and not lose this other battle.”
Denis Sassou N’Guesso, President of the Republic – Congo
Before leaving the Congolese capital, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial, a historic site housing the remains of the French explorer. It is also a place where one can learn about the role played by Sergeant Malamine Camara, of Senegalese origin, who defended the Mfoa post that later became Brazzaville. Current trade figures between Congo and Senegal remain modest. In 2024, Congo’s exports to Senegal were very low, at approximately $271,410 USD, showing a significant decline compared to previous years, which were around $3.67 million in 2022. However, there is a strong political will to energize economic relations, revive joint commissions, and increase bilateral investments in several key sectors.