The rehabilitation of the Congo-Ocean Railway (CFCO) and construction of Corridor 13 were among the infrastructure projects discussed during a Republic of Congo working mission to China between 24 July and 6 August 2026.
Details of the mission were presented to the Council of Ministers on 18 August by Jean-Jacques Bouya, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for co-ordinating development infrastructure and territorial planning.
The visit formed part of preparations for the next Forum on China-Africa Cooperation milestones and discussions on accelerating bilateral co-operation. According to the Council of Ministers communiqué, the mission sought to prioritise major infrastructure projects and mobilise new financing mechanisms under an Invest-Build-Operate model.
Railway rehabilitation and Corridor 13 were included under infrastructure and industrial partnerships. Other projects cited included an extension of the North Viaduct, a potash processing plant for fertiliser in the Pointe-Noire Special Economic Zone, an aeronautical maintenance centre, an overhaul of the national aircraft fleet including three MA60 aircraft, and the identification of a strategic partner for a joint airline.
The discussions also resulted in an agreement in principle for the Republic of Congo to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the validation of an immediate portfolio of six major projects.
No financier, contract value or implementation timetable was provided for either the Congo-Ocean Railway rehabilitation or Corridor 13. The communiqué also did not provide details of the proposed scope of Corridor 13.
The Council of Ministers described the mission within the wider bilateral relationship between the Republic of Congo and China, which the communiqué refers to as a High-Level Shared Future Community.
