Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have unveiled an ambitious plan to invest up to US$1 billion by 2030 in a bid to establish the country as a regional digital centre.
Announced by Augustin Kibassa Maliba, the Minister of the Digital Economy, during the “DRC Digital Nation 2030” forum at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the initiative aims to significantly enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure and services.
The government’s investment strategy will primarily focus on bolstering connectivity, which is seen as the essential foundation for digital transformation. While specific projects have yet to be detailed, the plan likely includes expanding telecommunications infrastructure through investments in telecom towers, fibre optic networks, and other critical infrastructure. Currently, official statistics indicate that telephone penetration in the DRC stands at 63%, whereas internet access remains limited at 34%. A recent report from the GSMA estimates that mobile internet penetration will reach only 17% by 2024, underscoring the need for substantial investment.
Dominique Migisha, coordinator of the Digital Development Agency, highlighted that the planned US$1 billion funding, allocated over five years from the state’s own resources, will enable the execution of digital projects previously hindered by a lack of direct government financing. He emphasized that this funding aligns with the National Digital Plan “Horizon 2025,” which aims to accelerate digital development across the country.
In conjunction with this financial commitment, Minister Maliba introduced a new strategic framework called the National Digital Development Plan – Horizon 2030. This plan is designed to coordinate government efforts across four key areas, beginning with the development of digital infrastructure, including improved connectivity and data hosting solutions. It also envisions the implementation of e-government services to modernize public administration and ensure they meet international standards. Strengthening digital governance, especially through enhanced cybersecurity measures, and promoting digital skills training — particularly targeting women and youth — are also central to the plan.
The Congolese authorities see digital technology as a vital lever for fostering economic growth, social progress, and national integration. According to GSMA estimates, digital technology could contribute approximately $4.1 billion to the DRC’s economy by 2029. However, the country still ranks poorly in global digital development, placing 179th out of 193 countries in the 2024 United Nations e-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.2715 out of 1. below the averages for Central Africa, Africa as a whole, and the world.
The government recognizes that achieving its digital ambitions requires strong collaboration between the public sector, private companies, and international partners. During the forum, Minister Maliba emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, inviting investors, technology firms, and donors to contribute to inclusive digital projects and help build local capacities. Notably, the American firm Unity Development Fund expressed interest in investing in the country’s digital sector, focusing on infrastructure development, technological innovation, and supporting young entrepreneurs.
Since the start of the year, the government has engaged with several key players, including Microlink, Starlink, Nokia, S2T Technopole Elghazela, Genew, Zhongshi Wosen, and Trident, alongside local operators such as Africell, Vodacom, Orange, and Helios Towers. In February, a memorandum of understanding worth a billion dollars was signed with Indian company General Technologies for various digital projects. Additionally, in June, the Congolese government secured financing agreements totaling $1.9 billion with the World Bank, including $400 million dedicated to digital initiatives, and an additional €100 million (approximately $117 million) from the European Union is also planned to support the country’s digital transformation efforts.
