Summary:The Republic of Congo has been hit hard by the oil price shock. Fiscal and current account balances deteriorated in 2014 reflecting increased government spending and lower oil prices. Corrective measures are now being taken. Private sector activity is held back by infrastructure gaps, a difficult business climate, and a shallow financial system. Growth and spending have yet to translate into significant reductions in poverty and progress in this area lags peers. Persistent inequality could be a source of instability.
