The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will launch its digital transformation project in February 2025. The project, valued at around $510 million, is funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD). They provided $400 million and €100 million (about $110 million), respectively.

On October 9, Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, met with project partners to discuss key conditions for successful implementation. "We are counting on everyone to ensure that this project is put into effect quickly and that reforms in the institutional and regulatory framework happen fast enough for implementation," said Albert G. Zeufack, World Bank Operations Director for the DRC.

While the status of preparations was not disclosed, sources indicate that the government is working on establishing a unit within the Ministry of Posts to oversee the project. Studies are also planned to prepare key investments.

Approved last June, the digital transformation project focuses on four main areas: improving access to digital services ($385 million), building digital infrastructure for service delivery ($55 million), increasing access to advanced digital skills relevant to industry and innovation ($45 million), and enhancing institutional coordination and project management ($25 million).

This initiative has been integrated into the government's National Digital Plan since 2019. The program aims to improve living conditions, increase public service efficiency, boost business profitability, energize production processes, and accelerate economic diversification.

In its May 2024 report titled "Driving Digital Transformation of African Economies," the Global System Operators' Association (GSMA) noted that countries digitizing interactions between citizens and government see a 1.2 to 1.3 percentage point increase in direct tax revenues as a share of GDP. Improved connectivity combined with digital technology and precision farming in sub-Saharan Africa could raise agricultural yields by 10.5% to 20% and profits by 23%.

For small and medium-sized businesses, digital technology could enhance labor productivity by 2-4%. These are just some of the growth sectors that stand to benefit the Congolese economy.

Muriel Edjo