Economic growth has reached 5.4% in 2019, then should continue on the same trajectory at an average of 1.8% per year over 2020 and 2021. This outlook is based on the steady performance of the hydrocarbon industry and the expected increase in investment from 17.1% of GDP in 2018 to 22.7% of GDP in 2019-2021. This assumes favourable prices for petroleum and budget surpluses.

In addition, as a result of the collapse of petroleum prices, Congo-Brazzaville is anticipating a recession of -9% in 2021, while its larger neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is expecting a recession of -2,2% due to a decline in mineral exports.

Despite the progress made in economic growth, the Republic of the Congo has not been able to fully exploit its assets in natural resources to sustain a robust socioeconomic performance. Overall, the heavy reliance on hydrocarbons has blocked the development of other activities like agriculture and sylviculture.