Oil and Gas in Congo | Opportunities in Africa

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Congo Brazzaville, also known as Republic of Congo, is the fourth largest oil producing country in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the slump in oil prices in 2014, opportunities in the industry are still kicking. Recently, a new 20-year term licence was approved by the Congolese state oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (‘SNPC’).  Schlumberger Limited will supply support services for the drilling of the new oil well, on the Tilapia oil field. Drilling operations should start by June 2018.

Is 2018 the year of Oil and Gas for Congo Brazzaville?

The oil refinery of ‘Pointe-Noire’ accounts for 65% of crude consumption for the country’s domestic needs.  Crude production in the country was expected to reach around 260,000 barrels by the last quarter of 2017. However, as of September 2017, crude production had reached 345,000 barrels, therefore exceeding expectations.

As crude prices began to stabilize by the end of 2017, hopes for the oil and gas industry revived. Congo is currently adopting many strategies to stay ahead of competitors. Their main objective is trading its 4th place for the 3rd place, amidst the sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, chances of expansion in the Oil and Gas industry seem very good.

Following a project launched by Total E&P Congo Moho Nord in 2013, the country should have already outdone Equatorial Guinea and be the third largest crude producer in sub-Saharan Africa. This project had the potential of increasing Congo’s crude production by 50% in 2017. Nevertheless, Congo Brazzaville is finding new ways to get to the third spot.

Congo Brazzaville and OPEC

OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is an intergovernmental Organisation of 14 nations which are significant oil producing countries. Congo Brazzaville aims to join OPEC soon, since the latter has a major influence on global crude prices. With global oil prices dipping over the years, OPEC even refused to change its crude price/barrel.

The Republic of Congo’s crude prices were on the slope during the the latest global price dip. However, crude oil prices rejuvenated as the news was leaked that the country may soon join the OPEC cartel. This highlights their authority and control over global crude oil, since they have a large amount of crude in stock.

Italy’s ENI and France’s Total are among the main crude operators in Congo. If successful in its endeavors to join OPEC, Congo Brazzaville will be on its way to become the 3rd largest crude producer in sub-Saharan Africa.

How to take advantage of this opportunity

The scope of growth in the Oil and Gas industry is highly optimistic for the Republic of Congo. With tested and proven Professional Outsourcing Solutions in more than 50 countries, Africa HR Solutions (AHR) can assist you in your projects over the African Continent. AHR takes charge of employment and payroll outsourcing, tax guidance, immigration solutions, medical and repatriation services, among its array of services.

Helping you to expand your business anywhere on the African Continent, Africa HR Solutions aims to provide you with the best PEO (Professional Employer Organisation) solutions. To obtain a quote or any information, contact our Head of Sales and Marketing, Clinton Ross on +230 465 3100.

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GRANT GERAGHTY - Africa HR Team

GRANT GERAGHTY

HEAD OF CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Grant Geraghty is the longest-serving member of the Africa HR team. This resident subject matter expert and client champion is responsible for gaining a deep understanding of our clients’ unique HR needs in Africa and providing tailored solutions that align with their business objectives. Grant collabourates closely with our clients to ensure that their requirements are properly implemented, providing ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.

Grant brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served as Africa HR’s longest-serving employee. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Economics and Business Finance, from the University of Natal in South Africa. Additionally, he has completed a certification program in Payroll and Tax Administration from the University of Cape Town, further enhancing his expertise in HR operations and compliance.

His commitment to delivering exceptional service and his extensive knowledge of HR in Africa make him an invaluable member of the Africa HR team.

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL Africa HR Team

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Kevina Takoordyal has a BA Hons Business Management from the University of Glamorgan, UK, with MBA in leadership and Innovation, MBA General, PMP Certified, and Agile Scrum Master. She currently works as the Head of Operations at Africa HR Solutions Ltd with more than 20 years of proven leadership capabilities in Operations, Business Development, People Management, Process Optimization, and Project Management in the Financial Services, BPO, Banking Industry, and Heath Care Industry. In Senior leadership roles with an international footprint across Europe working and extensive Pan- African experience from a compliance, finance, and operations angle, Kevina comes across with a panoply of cross-functional skills. Kevina also serves on a few Boards, Non-Independent Executive at MioD and for NGOs on a voluntary basis, a coach and mentor to aspiring female leaders across Africa and Mauritius.

Kevina is a firm believer in Servant Leadership with a strong focus and commitment to uplifting others, with the ability to deliver through a highly engaged – diverse team, and works towards consistently synergistic value creation. While being a focused and adaptive thinker and Kevina is actively participating in panel discussions on Innovation, CX, Digital transformation.

Kevina serves as Project Assessor for the National Youth upskilling program. She has been recognized as Global Talent in a few companies, Ceridian, and International SOS Ltd whereby she has been awarded a few scholarships and had the opportunity to be mentored by Senior Vice President in the US. Award Winner in various fields and at a national level and recognized including Super Achiever Leader Award in Africa in 2016, Awarded Africa Women Leader 2018.

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE​

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE

Head of Finance & Business Support

Viloshna is an experienced finance professional with 18 years of expertise in strategic financial planning, financial analysis, cash flow management, systems and controls implementation, financial reporting, and continuous process improvements. She currently serves as Head of Finance & Business Support, where she has successfully automated and leveraged the financial reporting system capabilities to ensure efficient company operations.

Viloshna’s background includes senior roles in a multinational pharmaceutical company and a large listed Mauritian conglomerate. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking have streamlined financial processes, making her a valuable addition to any finance team. Viloshna is a qualified finance professional with an FCCA qualification and an MBA, bringing valuable expertise to any Organisation.

In her current role, Viloshna leads the company’s Treasury and Payments function, including the fulfillment of the company’s cross-border payments into Africa. With her strong educational background and extensive experience, Viloshna consistently demonstrates her ability to optimize financial operations, minimize risks, and improve profitability. Her expertise in financial reporting and process improvements make her a valuable asset to any Organisation.

MARK DU PREEZ​

MARK DU PREEZ

Head of Legal & Compliance

A qualified lawyer who joined Africa HR Solutions in July 2020, Mark Du Preez has experience working in private practice for a reputable law firm in South Africa. He also played commercially focused roles at a leading private bank, wealth management company, and outsourcing firm in South Africa and Mauritius.

Mark has played a pivotal role in Africa HR Solution’s risk mitigation strategy, which positively impacted P&L performance over the years.

He currently leads the Partnerships function of the company including relationships and oversight with in-country partners (ICPs) across Africa.

Alex Daruty - Africa HR Team

ALEX DARUTY

Head of Commercial

Alex has more than 15 years of experience in the global, strategic development of both enterprise and consumer brands in categories including technology, transport, enterprise software, entertainment, and travel.

With experience in roles on both agency and corporate side, he has worked across international brands and has led the development and execution of multi-discipline campaigns across EMEA, NORAM and Asia Pacific.

His focus is on driving meaningful business impact through brand differentiation and building high-functioning, digitally oriented, and analytically driven capabilities. He is motivated by working with, and developing dynamic people, teams, and Organisations.

He leads, manages, develops and mentors the Key Account Management department, including line management responsibility for the team of Key Account Managers and Key Account Administrator who represent the Company as the primary communication link between all relevant stakeholders, including clients, third party in-country partners and internal functions.

Originally from Mauritius, he holds bachelor’s degrees in International Business, Finance and Management from the University of Nevada, Reno.