Chinese Government provides RMB 64.6 million grant for Marien-Ngouabi University Expansion Project

Project narrative

In 2011, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the Republic of Congo signed a grant agreement worth RMB 64.6 million (approximately CFA 5.8 billion) for the Marien-Ngouabi University Expansion Project. The grant proceeds were drawn from two Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreements (ETCAs) that were signed by the two governments on December 21, 2010 and August 9, 2011. This project involved the expansion of Marien-Ngouabi University (also spelled Nguwabi) in the capital city of Brazzaville. More specifically, it involved an expansion of the existing rectorate (principal’s office) and the construction of a new exam and student registration center. The first building (the rectorate) includes offices, meeting rooms, exhibition rooms and reception rooms, equipped with office furniture and related facilities. The second building (the exam and student registration center) is 13.72 meters high and it occupies an area of approximately 1,500 m2. A feasibility study was undertaken between September 11 and September 28, 2011. Then, on July 3, 2013, the Republic of Congo and China Urban Construction Design Research Institute Co. Ltd. signed a project design contract. Beijing Construction Engineering Group Co (BCEG) was selected as the contract responsible for implementation. The expected duration of the construction period was 19 months. Construction began on April 30, 2015 and ended in August 20, 2016. On November 21, 2016, a project handover ceremony was held. The Congolese Minister of Higher Education, Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, and the Chinese Ambassador to Congo, Xia Huang, were in attendance.