• President Félix Tshisekedi pledged $1 billion in public spending from 2026–2030 to implement the new national digital plan.
• The program will focus on infrastructure, e-government, cybersecurity, and digital skills training, with emphasis on women and youth.
• DRC signed an MoU with Cisco and Cybastion to train 250,000 young people in cybersecurity, data science, and programming.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi announced a $1 billion public investment to support the country’s next five-year digital development plan. The pledge, made Sept. 26 during the “DRC Digital Nation 2030” event at the UN General Assembly in New York, represents an annual commitment of $250 million from 2026 to 2030.

Tshisekedi said the initiative aims to position Congo as a technology hub at the heart of Africa.

According to the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the program will center on four pillars: expanding digital infrastructure such as connectivity and data hosting, developing e-government services, strengthening cybersecurity governance, and building digital skills. Training programs will prioritize women and young people.

Dominique Migisha, head of the Digital Development Agency, said unfinished projects from the current plan—achieved at roughly 60% due to funding gaps—will be incorporated into the new program.

Tshisekedi stressed that digital development depends on political stability and implementation of peace accords with Rwanda and the M23 rebels. Security improvements are also vital to attract private investors.

On the sidelines of the forum, Digital Minister Kibassa Maliba held talks with U.S.-based Unity Development Fund, which expressed interest in investing in infrastructure, innovation, and youth entrepreneurship.

Congo also signed a memorandum of understanding with Cisco and Cybastion to train 250,000 young people over five years in fields such as cybersecurity, data science, programming, operating systems, technical English, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.

This article was initially published in French by PM & Ecofin Agency

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum