The Congolese economy is almost exclusively based on oil, which accounts for ⅓ of its GDP, 2⁄3 of its fiscal revenues and 85% of its export revenues. Weakened by this rentier economy, Congo suffered in 2014 from an economic crisis, caused by the fall in oil prices. The Congolese government is banking on far-reaching reforms and development plans to revive its economy, which resumed a positive trajectory in 2018.

Good to know :

Languages spoken : French
Local Currency : CFA franc
Capital : Brazzaville

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in Congo

Do you already meet the International Young Talent Program criteria ?

Then, consult the table here!

- If your situation only meets ☼, you can try your luck for a V.I.E in Congo. Your application will be studied.

- If your situation meets at least 1 X, 😬 Congo cannot accommodate you in V.I.E.

Do you have any doubts about your eligibility ? Feel free to contact us.

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in Congo

To go to Congo as a V.I.A participant, you must fulfil the conditions for accessing the V.I.A.  
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit.

Cultural work codes in Congo

The welcome in Congo-Brazzaville is very warm ! As a foreigner, you will be treated with courtesy and kindness. If you are French, you will be welcomed with the same respect, especially due to the history that links the two countries.  Furthermore, the French community is supportive and very available to facilitate the integration of newcomers.

To fit in locally, you must have an open mind and show respect towards your Congolese counterparts. Remember that if they trust you, they will make you feel comfortable! In Brazzaville everyone knows everyone else, so making a good impression is the best way to quickly build your network. Take advantage of moments of relaxation, after work, to consolidate these links and meet people. As they say: “After doing your best, time to rest.”

Congo-Brazzaville is known as the country of the SAPE, which means “Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People”! Congolese sappers consider sartorial elegance an art and claim to be at the origin of this cultural movement. As a result, the dress codes in the business world are quite formal - jacket and tie. Private companies are more lenient, depending on the business sector.

Things that may surprise you in Congo

- As soon as you arrive at the airports of Pointe-Noire, the economic capital, or Brazzaville, the administrative capital, feel free to visit the tourist information offices. There are plenty of such tourist riches that are still little used. 

- You will have no trouble finding a taxi on arrival at the airport, with prices from 2,000 FCFA. If you can be bothered and are travelling light, you can walk to the main avenue where you will find taxis with lower prices (rates negotiable depending on the distance, from 1,000 FCFA)

- The green landscape of Brazzaville - known locally as "Brazza the Green" - and the beauty of the sea beside the city of Pointe-Noire "Ponto the Beautiful" will be your first impressions of the country's two largest cities, each of which has a modern airport.

- Establishments that are considered to provide good food - mainly hotels and restaurants run by foreigners - are not cheap. A dish, drink and coffee, will cost you in the region of €30 (20,000 FCFA).  Local restaurants and snacks are more affordable but be careful, they may not be very hygienic! To relax, towns have many lively "cellar" and "vip" dancing bars.

- The payment methods will no doubt surprise you a little at first. Credit card use is developing slowly but few restaurants accept card payments. However, mobile money is widely used for money transfers at the national level as well as to pay for television subscriptions.

- Although life is good in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, two cities with modern infrastructure, nature lovers will certainly be tempted into exploring the abundant fauna and flora of the tourist sites in the hinterland. And there is plenty to do! Congo-Brazzaville is a large forest country, with numerous waterways, four national parks and several wildlife reserves. Tourism agencies that offer high quality services are expanding, but remain relatively expensive.

- Finally, you will have to get used to the noise of generators! And the numerous power cuts in the country!