- The Republic of the Congo becomes the first sovereign issuer from Africa to list securities on Nasdaq Dubai, marking a landmark moment for Middle East–Africa financial integration.
- The listing comprises two issuances due 2035 and 2036, admitted on Nasdaq Dubai alongside the Republic’s primary listing on the London Stock Exchange.
- Nasdaq Dubai’s total outstanding debt listings now exceed USD 147.5 billion, with sovereign issuances accounting for 43% of the total.
Dubai, UAE; 19 October 2026: Nasdaq Dubai welcomed the secondary listing of two sovereign bond issuances totaling USD 1.55 billion by the Republic of the Congo, as the first sovereign issuer from Africa to list securities on Nasdaq Dubai. The listing enhances the visibility of the Republic’s sovereign debt profile among Middle Eastern and global institutional investors while deepening financial sector collaboration between the UAE and the Republic of the Congo.
The listings include:
- USD 700 million 9.500% Amortising Notes due 17 February 2035
- USD 850 million 9.500% Amortising Notes due 26 May 2036
By completing a secondary listing on Nasdaq Dubai, the Republic of the Congo complements the initial listing of its bonds on the London Stock Exchange and expands its visibility across institutional investors, banks and corporates based in the Middle East. The move reinforces the growing economic and financial ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of the Congo, formalized through a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
To commemorate the listing, His Excellency Christian Yoka, Minister of Finance, Budget and Public Portfolio of the Republic of the Congo, rang the market opening bell today at Nasdaq Dubai in the presence of Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), and Mark Steward, Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority.
His Excellency Christian Yoka, Minister of Finance, Budget and Public Portfolio of the Republic of the Congo, said: “The Republic of the Congo highly values the strengthening of its economic and financial partnership with the UAE. We are proud to be the first ever African sovereign issuer to list securities in the UAE. The listing of these bonds on Nasdaq Dubai aligns with our wider strategy of diversifying our investor base and reflects our confidence in the UAE market and its role connecting issuers with international investors.”
Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and DFM, commented: “Welcoming the Republic of the Congo as our first African sovereign issuer is a milestone moment for Nasdaq Dubai and a strong testament to Dubai’s expanding role as a global marketplace for cross-border capital flows. This debut listing brings African sovereign debt closer to investors in the Middle East and reflects our commitment to providing an efficient, transparent gateway connecting issuers with a deep base of regional institutional investors.”
Mark Steward, Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority said: “We welcome the Republic of the Congo’s inaugural listing on Nasdaq Dubai. This is a milestone and reflects the growing connectivity between Africa and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a gateway and hub for investment and financial services across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.”
Nasdaq Dubai’s total outstanding debt listings now exceed USD 147.5 billion, with sovereign issuances accounting for 43% of the total.
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About Nasdaq Dubai:
Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange serving the region between Western Europe and East Asia. It welcomes regional as well as global issuers that seek regional and international investment. The exchange currently lists shares, derivatives, Sukuk (Islamic bonds), conventional bonds and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS). The majority shareholder of Nasdaq Dubai is Dubai Financial Market with a two-thirds stake. Borse Dubai owns one third of the shares. The
regulator of Nasdaq Dubai is the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For further information, please contact:
Noora Al Soori
Communications and Public Relations Dubai Financial Market
Tel: +971 4 305 5437