• The government operationalized $500 million to support digital development.
• Authorities will prioritize broadband infrastructure and public service digitalization.
• The national digital plan targets $1 billion in public investment over 2026–2030.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said it operationalized $500 million in financing to accelerate digital development as part of its national strategy.

Officials announced the measure on Feb. 17 after a working session chaired by Digital Economy Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba with a high-level delegation of experts from the World Bank and the French Development Agency.

The Ministry of Digital Economy said technical assistance programs are nearing completion to launch investments around two priority pillars.

The first pillar focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure. Authorities plan major works to connect the country’s main cities to high-speed broadband networks. The government aims to improve service quality and significantly reduce internet access costs for the population.

The second pillar targets public service digitalization and skills development. Authorities will prioritize the dematerialization of civil registry services to simplify administrative procedures and improve the reliability of public data. The program will also include training and capacity-building initiatives to support administrative transformation and enhance employability in digital professions.

The announcement follows the signing in June 2025 of financing agreements totaling $1.9 billion with the World Bank, including $400 million specifically allocated to the digital sector. The European Union has also committed €100 million, equivalent to about $117.5 million, to support the country’s efforts.

The financing forms part of broader efforts to implement the national digital transformation strategy, which authorities consider a lever for socio-economic development. To support the National Digital Plan 2026–2030 (PNN2), which the government launched in October 2025, the administration plans $1 billion in public investment over five years. Authorities have already mobilized $500 million in external support from international partners and continue to explore additional financing partnerships.

According to the GSMA, digital technologies could contribute about $4.1 billion to the Congolese economy by 2029 if the country invests heavily in key sectors such as industry and agriculture. However, the country currently ranks 179th out of 193 economies in the United Nations E-Government Development Index. The country remains below the averages for Central Africa, Africa and the global benchmark.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum