Fiber optics in the DRC: A strategic partnership for a digital leap 🌐

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On April 7, 2025, in Kinshasa, the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, signed a memorandum of understanding with two Chinese companies, Genew and Zhongshi Wosen. Through this partnership, the country officially launches the construction of its national fiber optic network. This strategic infrastructure aims to bridge the persistent digital divide.

An Urgent Response to the Digital Divide 📉

According to official data, around 70% of Congolese citizens still lack regular access to the Internet. This situation significantly hampers economic development, technological innovation, and access to information. Aware of these challenges, the Congolese government has, for several years, multiplied efforts to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure. This new agreement with Chinese firms aims to provide citizens with faster, more reliable, and more affordable connectivity.

A key project of the National Digital Plan 🖥️

The agreement with Genew and Zhongshi Wosen is part of the National Digital Plan 2025, launched in 2019. This initiative aims to make digital technology a driver of economic and social development. Priority projects include the deployment of 50,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, the construction of data centers, and the improvement of network coverage in rural areas. To date, only 20% of these objectives have been achieved.

In parallel with the fiber project, the government is exploring other solutions to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure. Recent talks with the American company Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, aim to provide satellite connectivity, especially in the most remote regions. This diversification strategy is designed to fit the realities of the territory and ensure a coherent and sustainable national coverage.

Ongoing challenges despite notable progress ⚠️

Although Internet penetration has increased — from 27% in 2024 to 34% by January 2025 — the DRC still faces several obstacles. High service costs, frequent outages, and weak infrastructure continue to limit access for many citizens. However, the rise in the number of users — with about 3.5 million new internet users in one year — shows a positive trend that this project could further accelerate.

The effective implementation of this national fiber optic network holds significant promise. In addition to improving access to information, it could stimulate the local digital economy, encourage innovation, support job creation, and attract foreign investors. The expertise of Genew and Zhongshi Wosen, already active in Angola and Mauritania, is expected to ensure a technically sound execution, tailored to the continent’s realities.

What Do You Think? 💬
Do you believe fiber optics can truly transform the country’s digital economy?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments! 😁