Fiber optic cable laid in Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC is actively expanding its fiber optic infrastructure with multi-million euro projects connecting key regions and neighboring countries, aiming to boost internet penetration and digital sovereignty.Key Projects and ScopeThe Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a €66.55 million fiber optic project funded primarily by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with €52.47 million, while the Congolese government contributes €14.50 million . This initiative includes laying 600 kilometers of fiber optic cable to interconnect the DRC with Cameroon and the Central African Republic, alongside constructing a state-of-the-art National Data Centre in Brazzaville. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2024 and aims to enhance local data hosting for telecom operators, banks, insurance companies, and public institutions . In addition, the European Investment Bank (EIB) is supporting the rollout of a high-speed fiber optic network in the eastern regions of the DRC, benefiting over 2.5 million people. This project, implemented by Bandwidth and Cloud Services Group (BCS), focuses on providing faster, cheaper, and more reliable digital connectivity to homes, schools, and hospitals, contributing to the country's broader digital transformation .Regional ConnectivityThe DRC is also part of a 10,000 km regional fiber-optic backbone project spanning Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique, which aims to connect previously unserved areas, improve service quality, and provide access to key institutions such as 3,000 schools, 1,500 hospitals, and 1,200 government offices . This regional approach ensures that the DRC's fiber network is integrated with Central and Southern Africa, enhancing cross-border digital connectivity.Impact on Digital InfrastructureCurrently, internet penetration in the DRC was 17.4% in early 2022, significantly below the African average of 43% and the global average of 68.6% . The new fiber optic projects are expected to:Increase internet access across urban and rural areasEnable local data management, reducing reliance on servers in Europe or the U.S.Support digital services for education, healthcare, and financial sectorsPromote economic growth by creating a local digital ecosystem and job opportunities Strategic SignificanceThe fiber optic expansion positions the DRC as a digital hub in Central Africa, enhancing digital sovereignty and enabling the country to manage its own data locally. The combination of national and regional projects ensures that the DRC is not only improving domestic connectivity but also strengthening its role in the broader Central and Southern African digital network . In summary, the DRC's fiber optic cable laying initiatives represent a major step toward modernizing its digital infrastructure, improving internet penetration, and fostering regional integration, with strong support from international development banks and private sector partners.