Brazzaville is the capital of the Republic of Congo. The city is located on the right bank of the Congo River, opposite Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With an area of 263.9 km², Brazzaville is divided into nine districts (Makélékélé, Bacongo, Poto-Poto, Moungali, Ouenzé, Talangaï, Mfilou, Madibou, Djiri). Its population is 2.146 million inhabitants.

 

Restaurants

Restaurants in Brazzaville offer African and Western cuisine. Some also serve Eastern cuisine. Tipping is optional and is considered a gesture of courtesy. It is left to the customer's discretion.

Tourist sites

Sainte-Anne-du-Congo Basilica
The climate of the Republic of Congo is equatorial. It is characterised by two seasons: the rainy season from October to April, with hot and humid temperatures, and the dry season from May to September.

Poto-Poto Painting School
Located in Brazzaville (Moungali district, often associated with the popular Poto-Poto neighbourhood), the Poto-Poto Painting School is one of the oldest and most influential artistic institutions in Central Africa. Founded in 1951 by the French painter Pierre Lods, it initially operated as an informal workshop encouraging free artistic creation by Congolese artists, without strict technical rules.
The school quickly became a centre of aesthetic creativity, producing internationally renowned artists such as Eugène Malonga, François Thango, François Iloki and Marcel Gotène. From the 1950s onwards, it contributed to raising the profile of Congolese painting on the global stage through exhibitions.
Its distinctive style, notably the famous "miké", characterised by schematic and elongated figures inspired by local cultures, influenced many African artists.
Today, the school operates as an artistic cooperative, perpetuates a strong pictorial tradition and trains new generations, while remaining a major symbol of Congolese visual culture.

Pierre-Savorgnan-de-Brazza Memorial
Located in the heart of Brazzaville, the Pierre-Savorgnan-de-Brazza Memorial is an imposing mausoleum and museum inaugurated in 2006 to honour the Franco-Italian explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, founder of the city in 1880. Designed in a neoclassical style combining marble and glass, it houses the remains of Savorgnan de Brazza and his family in a solemn crypt and presents exhibitions retracing his central role in the exploration of the Congo Basin.
Overlooking the Congo River and situated at the symbolic site of Brazza's arrival, the memorial has become an important place of remembrance for local and international visitors, while also prompting reflection on the history of the Republic of Congo and contemporary Congolese identity through images, objects, paintings and sculptures.

National Museum of Congo
Founded in 1965, the National Museum of Congo, located in Brazzaville, is one of the country's main institutions for the preservation and promotion of historical, cultural and ethnographic heritage. It presents a wide collection of ancient artefacts, traditional costumes, masks, sculptures, pottery and everyday objects that illustrate the diversity of Congolese cultures and peoples over the centuries.
These items provide insight into local history, ancestral ways of life and artistic traditions, while offering visitors a deeper understanding of Congolese identity. The museum also plays an important educational role through exhibitions, cultural programmes and partnerships with academic institutions.

Charles de Gaulle's House
Located in Brazzaville, the historic house of General Charles de Gaulle is an emblematic building associated with his presence in French Equatorial Africa during the Second World War. Between 1940 and 1943, when Brazzaville served as the political capital of Free France, de Gaulle stayed there and held decisive meetings that contributed to the organisation and cohesion of the Free French territories in the face of Nazi occupation.
Today, the house is a cultural and tourist memorial site recalling Brazzaville's strategic role in the history of Free France. It displays documents, photographs and historical objects related to the General's stay and the wartime period, illustrating both de Gaulle's political engagement as commander of the Free French Forces and the importance of the Congolese capital in the global context of the time.

Congo Basin Gallery Museum
Located on Denis-Sassou-Nguesso Boulevard in Brazzaville, the Congo Basin Gallery Museum serves as a sanctuary for traditional Congolese culture. It is a major space for the preservation and promotion of traditional cultures of Congo and Central Africa. The museum brings together collections resulting from anthropological research, as well as rare and symbolic objects — masks, sculptures, ornaments and ritual instruments — from various indigenous communities.
The museum has attracted media and cultural attention through an exhibition dedicated to the kiebé-kiebé dance, a sacred ancestral rite practised by the Mbochi, Kouyou and Téké peoples, highlighting the richness of the intangible heritage of the Congo Basin.

Plateau Ville
Situé au cœur du centre-ville de Brazzaville, le Plateau ville constitue un important pôle commercial et touristique de la capitale. Ce quartier animé est réputé pour ses espaces d'échanges et de négociation, où visiteurs et habitants peuvent découvrir et acquérir des peintures, sculptures, objets d'artisanat, vêtements africains et œuvres d'art contemporaines ou traditionnelles. Véritable lieu de rencontre entre cultures locales et visiteurs étrangers, le Plateau ville offre une immersion vivante dans le savoir-faire artistique et marchand congolais, tout en participant activement à la dynamique économique et culturelle de la ville.

World Health Organization
The regional office of the World Health Organization for Africa offers visitors a wide range of information on health issues encountered across the continent.

The Mosque
An emblematic place of Muslim worship, the mosque is a distinctive site within the Congolese urban and spiritual landscape. Through its characteristic Islamic architecture, it reflects the historical and cultural presence of the Muslim community in Congo. Beyond its religious function, the mosque stands as a space for dialogue and interfaith coexistence, illustrating the tradition of tolerance and peaceful living together that characterises Congolese society.

Congo Arts Gallery
The Art Brazza Gallery is a major venue for the dissemination and promotion of Congolese artistic creation. It hosts exhibitions dedicated to renowned Congolese painters, sculptors and writers, showcasing the diversity of national artistic expressions. Each exhibition is structured around a political, social, economic or cultural theme, offering visitors interpretative keys to better understand the issues and dynamics of contemporary Congolese society.

Shopping and handicrafts

Brazzaville offers visitors a diverse shopping experience, combining modern shopping centres, lively traditional markets and spaces dedicated to local handicrafts, allowing visitors to discover Congolese know-how and purchase authentic souvenirs in an accessible and secure environment.

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Modern shopping centres

For visitors seeking comfort, speed and services that meet international standards, several modern shopping centres are easily accessible. The recently inaugurated Brazza Mall offers a pleasant, air-conditioned setting with shops, supermarkets, dining areas and leisure facilities. Other shopping galleries, such as Leila Mall or the Grand Fleuve shopping centre, complement this offer and allow for convenient shopping in a secure environment.
In these modern spaces, electronic payments and card payments are increasingly widespread, although it is still advisable to carry cash.

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Traditional markets

For those wishing to go beyond the usual circuits and enjoy a more immersive experience, Brazzaville's traditional markets are an essential stop. The Plateau Market, located in the city centre, is particularly popular with visitors for its handicrafts, sculptures, masks, jewellery and textiles, offering a first direct encounter with local creation.
The historic Poto-Poto district, one of the oldest and liveliest areas of the capital, stands out for its vibrant and colourful atmosphere. Its market and artists' workshops are ideal places to meet artisans, observe their craftsmanship and acquire traditional objects such as fabrics, wax prints, paintings or carved pieces. This immersion makes it possible to better understand the cultural and artistic richness of Congo.
Other popular markets, such as the Total market in Bacongo or the Ouenzé market, offer an authentic immersion in the city's daily life. Although primarily oriented towards the local population, they provide spaces for observation and exchange that are particularly appreciated by visitors seeking a change of scenery.

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Practical advice: In traditional and handicraft markets, visitors are advised to carry cash, preferably in small denominations, as electronic payment methods are rarely available. Visitors are also encouraged to visit during the daytime, negotiate prices in a friendly manner, and ask for permission before photographing artisans or their works.

 

Travellers are advised to consult their general practitioner at least one week before travel, to receive advice and updates on routine vaccinations, health and travel safety. This is particularly important for individuals undergoing continuous treatment, in order to determine their needs based on their health condition, destination and planned activities.

Participants must take out medical insurance accepted in the Republic of Congo, with coverage for emergency medical care.

 

Vaccination

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory to enter the country, and travellers must hold an international vaccination certificate.
Vaccination is also strongly recommended against the following diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, whooping cough, rabies, typhoid fever, meningitis and hepatitis B (see table below)

Vaccine	Status	Justification
Yellow fever	Mandatory	Once administered, this vaccine is valid for life. Yellow fever infection is transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes of the Aedes species.
Hepatitis A	Recommended	Risk related to water and food. A single dose of the hepatitis A vaccine provides protection for six months, while a two-dose series offers longer protection, lasting up to 10 years.
Hepatitis B	Recommended	Increased risk through contact with bodily fluids. A single hepatitis B vaccination is effective for six months. However, adequate protection requires three doses, which provide protection for up to 10 years.
Covid-19	Recommended	Circulation remains active; therefore, vaccination is recommended for all eligible persons.
Meningococcal meningitis	Recommended	Seasonal risk in the wider Sahelian zone, particularly for individuals with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
Typhoid	Recommended	Exposure may occur through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The typhoid vaccine is valid for three years.
Tetanus	Recommended	Risk related to accidental injuries; the vaccine is valid for ten years.
Rabies	Recommended depending on itinerary	Exposure may occur through bites from domestic or wild animals. Protection is valid for only one or two years.
Cholera	Recommended in case of outbreak	Transmission occurs through contaminated food or water. Follow food safety advice and maintain hand hygiene to prevent cholera. Depending on the type of vaccine administered, protection may last up to three years.

Malaria

The Republic of Congo is a malaria-endemic area. Travellers are advised to use mosquito repellent sprays. Prophylactic malaria treatment is strongly recommended, based on mefloquine at a dosage of one tablet per week on a fixed day, starting 10 days before travel and continuing for up to four weeks after return..

After return

All travellers are advised to monitor any feverish or digestive symptoms, inform their doctor of any contact with animals, injuries or bites, and explicitly mention their stay in the Republic of Congo.

Hospital facilities in Brazzaville

A large share of the country's hospital facilities is concentrated in Brazzaville including public, private and faith-based institutions. These hospitals play a central role in providing medical care to the urban population and serve as national reference centres for certain specialties.

Establishment	Description	Address	Contact
Centre hospitalier universitaire de Brazzaville (CHU-B)	Main centre for healthcare delivery, medical education and research in the country	13, Avenue Auxence Ickonga	+242 22 282 6149
Hôpital Blanche Gomes	Public reference hospital for maternal and child health	Boulevard Denis Sassou Nguesso	+242 05 551 3739
Hôpital central des armées Pierre-Mobengo	Public hospital under the authority of the Ministry of Defence	Av. de la 2e Division Blindée	+242 06 654 9132
Hôpital de base de Bacongo	Public facility providing routine care and emergency services	36, avenue Simon Kimbangou, Mpissa, Bacongo	+242 05 039 5154
Hôpital de base de Makélékélé		Av. Fulbert Youlou, Makélékélé
Hôpital général de Djiri		Nkombo, Brazzaville	+242 06 400 6060
Hôpital sino-congolais de Mfilou	Public healthcare facility	Av. Frontière, Brazzaville
Hôpital de Talangaï	Referral hospital for northern Brazzaville	Av. des Trois Martyrs, Talangaï
Clinique Pasteur	Private clinic	88, rue de Djambala, Moungali	+242 06 990 6377
Clinique médicale de Brazzaville		Av. Félix Eboué	+242 06 610 0303
Clinique Cogémo		8, rue Albert Bassandza, Poto-Poto	+242 06 665 6046
Clinique les Rosiers		OCH III, case J 416 V, Moungali	+242 06 666 4457
Clinique Oregon		15, rue Banziris, Poto-Poto	+242 06 661 4183
Clinique Sécurex (SAMU)		33, rue Amilcal Cabral, centre-ville	+242 05 548 5995
Clinique Netcare		Avenue Maréchal Lyautey	+242 06 666 6911 +242 05 566 6911
Clinique Elikia		23 rue Mbochi, Poto Poto	+242 06 956 78 78
Clinique Netco		Avenue Lyautey, centre-ville	+242 06 660 25 25
Clinique Les Clairons		Plateau des 15 ans	+242 06 632 51 51

Pharmacies

In Brazzaville, city pharmacies are generally open from Monday to Saturday, mainly during daytime hours, from morning until early evening, depending on the pharmacy.
Outside these usual hours, particularly on Sundays and public holidays, an on-call system known as "pharmacies de garde" is in place. A weekly schedule designates specific pharmacies responsible for remaining open throughout the day or for extended hours to ensure access to medicines when other pharmacies are closed.
In addition, a night pharmacy service exists to respond to emergencies during the night. Certain pharmacies, identified in advance, are authorised to remain open or provide on-call services overnight, allowing patients to obtain medicines at any time in urgent situations.
The list and weekly schedule of on-call pharmacies are available online on the website of the Congolese Foundation for Access to Medicines.

 

TRANSPORTATION

Shuttle services will be provided between the airport and the official hotels of the Annual Meetings to transport participants.

Dedicated buses for participants will also operate to and from all official Annual Meetings hotels and all Annual Meetings event venues.

For rides outside the various Annual Meetings venues, conventional taxis (green color), which are plentiful in the city, may be used. Fares can be negotiated and are payable in cash.

 

The Yango app, which allows users to estimate the cost of a trip and track the vehicle’s position, was previously available in Brazzaville but is no longer operational there. Uber is not available in the Republic of Congo.

The climate of the Republic of Congo is equatorial. It is characterised by two seasons: the rainy season from October to April, with hot and humid temperatures, and the dry season from May to September.

ACCOMODATION

Most major cities in the Republic of Congo have good hotel infrastructure, including high-end hotels, mid-range hotels and small tourist hotels. The accommodation sector is expanding rapidly.

Participants in the 2026 Annual Meetings will be able to book their accommodation of choice through a booking platform that will become operational in March 2026.

 

Most travellers require a visa to enter the Republic of Congo. Applications for tourist or business visas can be submitted to the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate. Required documents generally include a valid passport, an identity photograph, a letter of invitation, and proof of hotel or accommodation booking.

The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad provides a list of the diplomatic and consular representations of the Republic of Congo.

 

The currency in the Republic of the Congo is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). It is also the currency of the countries within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). The CFA franc has a fixed parity with the euro: 1 euro = 655.957 FCFA.

Currency exchange is available at all commercial bank branches in major cities.
Payment by bank card is uncommon. Only a few large hotels accept cards and also offer exchange services. Cash withdrawals are possible at ATMs located at bank branches in downtown Brazzaville. It is advisable to carry small-denomination banknotes for transactions with small traders, tipping, and private rides.
Banks generally open on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Most banks operate ATMs that accept various international debit and credit cards.

Main banks

BGFI Bank Congo ECOBANK Banque congolaise de l'habitat (BCH) Banque commerciale internationale (BCI) Banque postale du Congo Bank of Africa Crédit du Congo United Bank of Africa (UBA) Banque sino-congolaise pour l'Afrique (BSCA) Mutuelles congolaises d'épargne et de crédit (MUCODEC)