Manufacturing of the Republic of the Congo
Also known as: Congo-Brazzaville, People’s Republic of the Congo, République Populaire du Congo, République du Congo
The manufacturing sector is limited by small domestic markets, dependence upon foreign investment, and a lack of skilled labour. Most factories are located in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Kayes, Loubomo, and towns in the Niari valley. Products include processed foods (particularly flour and sugar), beer and other beverages, cigarettes, textiles and clothing, footwear, processed wood and paper, chemicals, cement and bricks, glassware, and metal goods such as nails and metal furniture. The first petroleum refinery went into operation in 1976 at Pointe-Noire. Handicrafts include carvings, pottery, needlework, tiles, and bricks.