Central Africa: 4 countries offering opportunities for expatriates

Central Africa countries are characterized by abundant natural resources (oil, mines, forests) and under-exploited economic potential. However, aware of the fragility resulting from their dependence on the export of raw materials, which leaves them highly exposed to fluctuations in international prices, several governments in the region have recently launched strategies to diversify their economies. While these strategies are still in their early stages, they could ultimately transform the landscape of Central Africa.

A growing number of members of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC) are implementing plans to develop their mining sectors (potash, iron, phosphate, gold, diamonds, etc…) and upgrade their basic infrastructures (ports, roads, railways, electricity and telecommunications). In addition, the region’s agricultural potential, one of Africa’s most important production basins, remains under-exploited. In response, proactive policies are being developed to achieve food self-sufficiency and boost exports. In this dynamic context, coupled with a job market constantly on the lookout for the best talent not only on the continent, but from all over the world, Central Africa offers a wealth of opportunities. Here’s an overview of the types of positions available locally for highly qualified expatriates.

Republic of Congo

With an oil sector accounting for more than half of GDP and more than 80% of the country’s exports, making it one of Africa’s top 10 producers, the Congolese economy is not very diversified. Yet the country possesses abundant natural resources, most of which have yet to be exploited: only 2% of arable land is cultivated, and only 20% of the country’s timber potential has been inventoried.

In January 2022, the government approved a new National Development Plan (PND 2022-2026), focusing on economic diversification. Among its priorities is the upgrading of basic infrastructure, in particular roads and railroads on the strategic Pointe-Noire-Brazzaville axis, many sections of which need rehabilitation. The oil, mining, agriculture and construction sectors are all in need of highly qualified experts, from project management to engineering work, to help them complete their transformation.

Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo boasts one of the most vigorous growth rates in the region: according to an IMF (International Monetary Fund)  staff assessment, growth has rebounded sharply from 1.7% in 2020 to an estimated 6.2% in 2021, well above the 4.5% rate recorded in sub-Saharan Africa.

In many respects, the DRC is in a unique position to meet current and future market demands. In 2020, FDI flows into the country increased despite the health crisis (from 1.5 billion USD in 2019 to 1.6 billion USD in 2020), thanks to the rising price of cobalt, indispensable in smartphones and electric car batteries. Finally, the DRC also has enormous potential in sectors such as energy (especially hydroelectricity) and infrastructure, not to mention its rainforests and peatlands, which are essential to the global energy transition. This potential has prompted companies operating in the country to make massive investments in mining, agriculture, sustainable energy, and green development, with numerous job opportunities in the process.

Gabon

Like the other countries on this list, Gabon is rich in natural resources. The fifth largest oil producer in Africa, the oil sector has accounted for 80% of exports, 45% of GDP and 60% of tax revenues on average over the last five years. Faced with dwindling reserves, the Gabonese government decided to diversify its economy. Foreign investment is now increasingly directed towards the agrifood and infrastructure sectors. In addition, Gabon, an upper-middle-income country with one of the highest urbanization rates in Africa (more than four out of five Gabonese live in cities), aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2025 and to monetize its carbon credits, estimated at $5 billion by 2021, by relying on the forest that covers 88% of its territory. Like the DRC, the mining and oil sectors are major employers in Gabon. But economic diversification is now driving companies operating in the country to invest in the agricultural, infrastructure and sustainable energy sectors, all of which are looking for experts. 

Cameroon 

Cameroon has relatively diversified resources compared to other countries in the region, including forestry, agriculture, oil and mining (especially aluminum). Hydroelectric potential is significant, and efforts to improve infrastructure are underway.  This promising context has not failed to attract investments: Cameroon is expected to attract 487 billion in foreign direct investment in 2021, up 43% on 2020. These FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) inflows have helped to sustain dynamism in the hotel, manufacturing and financial sectors. In addition, the country, which is increasingly prone to flooding, deforestation, recurrent droughts in the north and uncertain rainy seasons, has decided to move towards a green development model. The share of renewable energies in the electricity mix is set to reach 25% by 2035, up from 2% in 2019. Cameroon’s growing investment base and proactive government policy offer a wealth of opportunities in the mining, infrastructure, finance, hotel and of course, renewable energy sectors.