Christian Yoka, Minister of Finance, Budget and Public Portfolio, chaired the 2nd session of the Executive Committee of the National Committee of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) of the Republic of Congo on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Brazzaville. He was accompanied by two of his government colleagues: Rosalie Matondo, Minister of Forestry, and Arlette Soudan Nonault, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and the Congo Basin.

Among the items on the agenda were the adoption of the minutes of the session held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025; the 2023 EITI Framework Report; the functioning of the National EITI Committee; and the launch of the preparation of the 2024 EITI Report.

Following the session, the Permanent Secretary of the Executive Committee, Florent Michel Okoko, answered questions from the press to summarize the proceedings.

What are the key takeaways from this session?

First, we established the framework for the upcoming 2023 EITI Report, which must be published before the end of 2025. Second, we addressed the issues related to the functioning of the National Committee of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Congo. Finally, we established the various committees and mechanisms for launching the preparation of the EITI Report for the 2024 fiscal year. This session was important, frank, and open. It saw the participation of extractive companies, civil society, and various government organizations involved in the extractive sector.

Congo is preparing for the validation of its application by the EITI Board, scheduled for 2026. Is it ready?

We wouldn't say that the Republic of Congo is ready. Because we have a number of corrective measures and recommendations that will need to be implemented. Today's session allowed us to assess the progress made in implementing these corrective measures and recommendations. There is still a long way to go. We have one year to do so. We must ensure that, by next year, the various recommendations, expressive measures, and other corrective actions will be accepted and implemented reforms that contribute to improving the governance of revenue from the extractive industries in the Republic of Congo. The Chairman of the National Committee has provided us with guidance to achieve this objective.

The Communication Unit of the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Public Portfolio