Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, met with the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, on September 24. During the meeting, Gates explored the possibility of improving satellite internet connectivity to bolster education in the DRC. According to the Ministry of Health, the American billionaire requested the audience.

If the project moves forward, Gates might implement his satellite internet solution on a large scale using technology from Kymeta, a company in which Microsoft invested $85 million in 2020. This would give Gates an edge over Elon Musk, whose Starlink services are currently banned in the DRC due to licensing issues.

Bill Gates expressed interest in the DRC's agricultural sector, which needs substantial investment to meet national demand and develop its potential as a food exporter. He also mentioned support from the Gates Foundation for public health initiatives, particularly in fighting diseases like polio.

Few days before the meeting, Congolese Minister of Higher Education Marie-Thérèse Sombo launched the "One student, one computer" project. This project aims to make university training more innovative. "This project aims for inclusiveness and equity, as it grants the same opportunities to all students, without distinction," the official said, quoted by Radio Okapi.

Though it was not reported, Gates and Tshisekedi may have also talked about mining. In November 2023, KoBold, a company active in Zambia's copper sector, expressed interest in expanding into the DRC. KoBold's main shareholder is Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which includes several billionaires like Gates and Jeff Bezos.

Georges Auréole Bamba