DR Congo €8B Digital Plan: What It Includes (Telecom, Infrastructure, Data Centers) and Who Benefits

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is investing €8 billion ($8.8 billion) in a digital transformation plan (2026–2030) to improve internet access, modernize infrastructure, and create jobs. Here’s what you need to know:

• Key Goals: Expand fiber-optic networks, build data centers, digitize government services, and train 250,000 youth in AI, cybersecurity, and programming.
• Telecom Upgrades: Increase telecom towers from 5,150 to 30,000, connect 650 communities, and deploy solar-powered towers to reach rural areas.
• Economic Impact: Create 700,000 jobs, boost GDP by $4.1 billion by 2029, and grow mobile internet users by 9.7 million.
• Funding: Mix of public funds, international aid, and private investment, with contributions from the DRC government, World Bank, EU, and private firms like General Technologies.
• Who Benefits: Startups, telecom companies, businesses, and professionals gain access to new markets, lower costs, and training opportunities.

This initiative positions DRC as a future tech hub in Africa, leveraging its central location and mineral resources to drive growth and innovation.

The $8.7B Digital Shift: How 22 Million Will Be Online

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Revamping telecom infrastructure is a cornerstone of the DRC’s digital transformation. Right now, the country relies on just 5,150 telecom towers – a number that falls woefully short for a nation covering 905,000 square miles with a population of 112.2 million. The plan aims to change that drastically, targeting at least 30,000 towers by 2030 to close connectivity gaps across all 145 territories. Here’s a closer look at how this ambitious upgrade will help bridge the digital divide.

Connecting 650 Communities

This initiative is set to bring connectivity to 650 communities, benefiting 30 million people and 1,000 institutions. It’s a game-changer in a country where internet penetration is below 30%, leaving nearly 80% of the population offline. To support this, the national fiber-optic network will grow from its current 6,000 miles to a projected 31,000 miles. The Universal Service Development Fund (FDSU) is also stepping in with a 10-year plan to connect 68 million rural residents by subsidizing operational zones.

Solar-Powered Telecom Towers

Electricity access is another big hurdle, with only 19% of the population connected to the grid. To address this, the plan includes 2,000 solar-powered base stations designed to extend connectivity to remote areas without relying on the grid. This approach not only solves the power issue but also aligns with broader connectivity goals. Starting in January 2025, Vodacom DRC and Orange DRC will roll out these solar towers over six years, with the first phase focusing on 1,000 sites offering 2G and 4G services. This shared infrastructure model will cut costs and extend coverage to 19 million people.

Mobile Internet Growth Projections

The reforms are expected to add 9.7 million mobile internet users. As of September 2025, mobile internet penetration had reached 32.2%. While mobile data costs are among the lowest in Africa at $0.88 per gigabyte, they remain a stretch for many, given the median daily income of just $2.15. The plan’s infrastructure-sharing model, which allows tower companies to serve multiple operators, is a key strategy for lowering deployment costs and making services more accessible in underserved areas.

Infrastructure and Data Center Development

The plan builds on telecom and broadband advancements, aiming to enhance digital infrastructure that supports modern government functions and drives economic growth.

Tier 3 Data Center in Kinshasa

In October 2025, the government signed a $150 million deal with Mauritius-based United Investment LMT (UIL) to construct three data centers nationwide, including a flagship Tier 3 facility in Kinshasa. This center is designed to handle AI-driven applications, offering the capacity for advanced analytics and artificial intelligence. It will also house a national cybersecurity center to safeguard key digital assets and support the “Sphere of Artificial Intelligence” initiative, which focuses on equipping Congolese students with high-tech skills. One of the primary goals is to transition state data from foreign servers to local hosting, reinforcing what officials refer to as digital sovereignty. To ensure the project meets its objectives, the government is collaborating with UAE-based firm The Founding to define technical specifications. This initiative not only supports advanced services but also strengthens the country’s control over its data.

Digital Government Services

The introduction of new e-government platforms aims to simplify government processes. One example is the DRC Pass, a blockchain-based system that will provide citizens with secure digital IDs. Other initiatives include an online tax portal and a customs single window, both created to streamline business operations and enhance transparency. Additionally, a national interbank payments platform, set to launch in March 2026, will enable smooth transactions between banks and mobile money providers. By making tax compliance more accessible, these systems are projected to increase direct tax revenue by 1.2 to 1.3 percentage points of GDP.

Fiber-Optic Network Expansion

To improve connectivity, the project plans to deploy between 37,000 and 50,000 miles (60,000–80,000 kilometers) of fiber-optic cable across all 145 territories. Minister of Posts and Telecommunications José Mpanda Kabangu emphasized the importance of this effort:

“The DRC needs at least 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers of fiber to achieve full connectivity. Internet access remains below 30%. The President wants all 145 territories of the country to be connected”.

The project also includes a new submarine cable with a capacity of 192 terabits per second to enhance international bandwidth. This expanded network will provide the backbone for government digital services and ensure the smooth operation of advanced data centers.

Who Benefits from the Digital Plan

The $8.7 billion digital plan brings a wealth of opportunities for various groups, including tech entrepreneurs, startups, telecom companies, and the workforce at large.

Opportunities for Local Startups

Startups are set to benefit from access to a massive market of 30 million customers as broadband services expand to 650 communities. Fintech companies, in particular, will gain from a national interbank payments platform scheduled for launch in March 2026. This platform promises smoother transactions between banks and mobile money providers. Additionally, initiatives like the Congolese Academy of Artificial Intelligence and policies supporting digital entrepreneurship aim to nurture talent for key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and healthcare. Investment and policy backing will also create a secure foundation for e-commerce and financial services.

Impact on Businesses and Telecom Companies

The plan’s infrastructure advancements offer substantial benefits to businesses and telecom operators. Telecom providers will see reduced costs and faster rural expansion through shared infrastructure models. Businesses, meanwhile, can leverage the new Tier 3 data center in Kinshasa to host data locally, cutting down on costly foreign hosting services and boosting data sovereignty. Enhanced digital government services, including a modernized tax portal, a unified customs platform, and streamlined civil registration systems, will simplify interactions between businesses and government. With 80% of the population still offline as of 2024, telecom companies have a huge growth opportunity ahead.

Training Programs and Job Creation

The plan also emphasizes skill development, which is key to driving economic growth. In September 2025, the government partnered with Cisco and Cybastion to train 250,000 young people over five years in fields like cybersecurity, data science, programming, and entrepreneurship. This initiative includes instructor development to ensure the program’s long-term impact. Airtel DRC will provide free internet access to participants, supporting both training and internship opportunities. By 2030, the program aims to create 700,000 direct jobs, with digitalization in agriculture, industry, and services expected to add 1.7 million, 300,000, and 500,000 jobs, respectively. Furthermore, the program is designed to ensure gender equity, targeting 50% female participation to expand access to digital skills and economic opportunities.

Economic and Tech Ecosystem Impacts

Building on previous advancements in telecom and infrastructure, the digital plan is driving sweeping changes across major economic sectors.

Improvements in Key Sectors

The plan aims to modernize mining through AI tools designed to enhance transparency and operational efficiency, with a focus on state-owned enterprises. In agriculture, AI-powered tools and expanded rural broadband are helping farmers boost productivity and gain better access to markets. The healthcare sector benefits from AI-driven diagnostic tools and improved connectivity across facilities, paving the way for data-informed healthcare solutions nationwide. Altogether, these advancements are projected to generate $3.6 billion in economic value across mining, agriculture, and public services.

Additionally, upgraded systems are expected to simplify trade processes and improve transparency.

Digital Revenue Growth

By 2029, the expansion of digital technologies could contribute an additional $4.1 billion to GDP. This growth stems from mobile internet access reaching 9.7 million new users and efficiency improvements in key sectors.

“The expected impact is a significant increase in administrative efficiency, greater transparency, and enhanced competitiveness of the private sector.” – Augustin Kibassa, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs of DRC

The government has committed $1 billion in public funds for the 2026–2030 period. This is bolstered by $500 million already secured from international partners, reflecting a strong dedication to leveraging these economic opportunities. These efforts not only aim to stimulate domestic growth but also to position DR Congo as a leader in the region’s tech landscape.

DR Congo as a Regional Tech Leader

The National Digital Plan for 2026–2030 envisions DR Congo as a regional technology hub in Africa. Its central location and rich reserves of critical minerals, essential for global digital and energy transitions, provide a strategic edge. Investments in new fiber and submarine cables are set to elevate DR Congo from its current low ranking to a key provider of regional connectivity.

“This is about capturing the dividends of digital transformation and positioning our country – rich in critical minerals essential to the digital and energy transitions – as both an investment catalyst and a provider of solutions to global challenges.” – Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Digital Economy, DR Congo

The training of 250,000 young professionals in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and data science is central to this vision, preparing DR Congo to supply high-tech solutions and a skilled workforce across the region. Coupled with job creation and initiatives supporting local startups, these measures reinforce DR Congo’s role as an emerging tech hub. The Tier 3 data center in Kinshasa and the blockchain-based “DRC Pass” ID system further establish new benchmarks for data security and sovereignty in the region.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The Plan’s Potential for DR Congo

The PNN2 initiative is set to position DR Congo as a regional tech powerhouse by rolling out fiber-optic networks, telecom towers, and broadband connectivity to reach 30 million people across 650 communities. This ambitious plan is expected to create 700,000 jobs and boost the country’s GDP by $4.1 billion by 2029. Built around four key areas – infrastructure and connectivity, digital public platforms, human capital development, and cybersecurity – the $8.8 billion program tackles challenges in agriculture, mining, and healthcare with cutting-edge solutions like AI and sovereign data centers. Notably, a Tier 3 facility in Kinshasa and the blockchain-powered DRC Pass are central to these efforts. With $1 billion in public funding and $500 million already secured from international partners, the government has shown strong dedication to this digital overhaul. These advancements pave the way for investment, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities on an unprecedented scale.

How to Engage with New Opportunities

There are multiple ways to tap into the opportunities created by this transformative plan, whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or professional.

• For Investors: Private sector involvement is key, with opportunities to connect 145 territories. Deals like the $150 million agreement with United Investment LMT and the $1 billion MOU with General Technologies highlight the potential for lucrative public-private partnerships.
• For Entrepreneurs: The upcoming national interbank payments platform, set to launch in March 2026, offers a chance to innovate in financial services by bridging traditional banks and mobile money providers. Additionally, the initiative supports the creation of AI-driven solutions tailored to mining, agriculture, and healthcare, backed by the Congolese Academy of Artificial Intelligence.
• For Professionals: Government-backed training programs, including collaborations with Cisco and Cybastion starting in September 2025, aim to train 250,000 young people by 2030. These programs focus on high-demand skills like cybersecurity, data science, and AI programming, offering a pathway to thrive in the digital economy.

FAQs

How will this plan make internet cheaper for everyday users?

The plan focuses on reducing internet costs for regular users by upgrading infrastructure and introducing specific reforms. These steps aim to lower the expenses associated with internet access and IT equipment, making digital connectivity easier to afford and access for more people.

What safeguards will protect citizen data in the new digital ID system?

Citizen data in the new digital ID system is safeguarded using a combination of blockchain technology, biometrics, AI, and zero-knowledge proofs. Together, these tools provide secure authentication, decentralized data storage, and records that cannot be altered. Additionally, sensitive information is managed within sovereign cloud systems and national data centers, ensuring tighter control over data while bolstering security measures.

How can startups and job seekers apply for the plan’s funding and training programs?

Startups and job seekers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have access to opportunities through various government initiatives and partnerships aimed at driving digital transformation. For instance, the European Union offers grants and loans designed to support skills development, create jobs, and fund infrastructure projects. Additionally, collaborating with local government agencies or international investors who prioritize building digital capabilities can open doors to further growth and resources.

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