The Republic of Congo has launched exports from Congo LNG Phase 2, raising national liquefaction capacity to 3 million tons per annum. The milestone positions Central Africa’s gas producer for expanded global market participation.
The export start comes ahead of Hydrocarbons Minister Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua’s participation at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris on April 22–23, 2026, where new investment discussions are expected.
Nguya FLNG Expansion Lifts Export Capacity
Phase 2 exports commenced from the newly commissioned Nguya floating liquefied natural gas facility. Consequently, Congo’s total LNG production capacity has risen to 3 million tons per annum, strengthening its export footprint across Central Africa.
The project reached start-up approximately 35 months after construction began. Moreover, commissioning was completed ahead of schedule, signalling accelerated infrastructure execution in the country’s offshore gas sector.
The expanded system works alongside the earlier Tango FLNG unit. Together, these installations consolidate Congo’s position as an emerging LNG exporter within the Gulf of Guinea region.
Congo LNG Infrastructure Overview
| Facility | Nguya FLNG (Phase 2) |
| Total LNG Capacity | 3 million tons per annum |
| Upstream Source | Nené and Litchendjili fields (Marine XII) |
| Operator | Eni |
Marine XII Fields Strengthen Central Africa Gas Supply
Gas for Phase 2 is sourced from the offshore Nené and Litchendjili fields under the Marine XII licence. As a result, Congo continues to monetise offshore reserves that were previously underutilised.
Meanwhile, international buyers, particularly in Europe, are diversifying supply sources amid broader energy market adjustments. Therefore, Congo’s expanded output enhances Central Africa’s participation in cross-regional gas trade.
In addition, infrastructure growth aligns with continental objectives to boost energy sector industrialisation and attract upstream capital across the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
Broader Investment Momentum Across Congo’s Energy Sector
Beyond LNG, additional upstream developments are progressing. TotalEnergies secured the Nzombo exploration permit, which includes a one-well drilling programme, expanding exploration potential offshore.
At the same time, Perenco is redeveloping the Kombi-Likalala-Libondo II offshore field. This redevelopment includes a new platform designed to extend production life and improve gas recovery rates.
- TotalEnergies Nzombo permit awarded
- Perenco redevelopment of mature offshore field
- Enhanced gas recovery initiatives underway
These parallel investments indicate sustained upstream engagement. Consequently, Congo’s hydrocarbons strategy integrates LNG exports with continued exploration and field optimisation.
Policy Reform and Paris Energy Forum Engagement
The Ministry of Hydrocarbons has advanced regulatory reforms, including a new gas code nearing adoption. The reform aims to streamline fiscal terms and clarify investor rules, strengthening the policy framework for Central Africa’s energy market.
Previously, engagements at the Invest in African Energy Forum produced agreements such as the 2023 partnership with Technip Energies to enhance capacity and collaborate on decarbonisation initiatives. Therefore, Minister Itoua’s upcoming participation in Paris reflects continued outreach to global capital markets.
Comments
Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, is expected to outline investment opportunities across gas, LNG, marginal fields, and exploration.
“The accelerated delivery of Phase 2 demonstrates Congo’s commitment to expanding LNG capacity while strengthening international partnerships across the energy value chain.”
Wrapping Up
Congo LNG Phase 2 exports mark a measurable step in Central Africa’s evolving gas landscape. By expanding capacity to 3 million tons per annum and accelerating infrastructure delivery, the Republic of Congo reinforces its export credentials within African and global markets.
At the same time, regulatory reform and international engagement signal a strategy that balances gas monetisation with long-term sector development. As Paris discussions approach, Congo’s LNG milestone highlights the country’s growing role in Africa’s integrated energy transformation.
Sources: Energy Capital & Power (APO Group distribution), Investment African Energy Conference, and Republic of Congo Ministry of Hydrocarbons announcements.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.