The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Monacosat, a leading satellite operator in Monaco, to expand satellite connectivity across the nation.
The agreement, signed in Monaco by DRC’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, signifies the start of negotiations to deploy satellite infrastructure aimed at bridging the country’s digital divide.
According to the Ministry of ICT, the partnership focuses on extending connectivity to rural and remote areas using Monacosat’s satellite capabilities.
“We have decided to work closely together and consult on issues of common interest,” the ministry stated, emphasizing the importance of acquiring satellite capacity for nationwide coverage.
The initiative aligns with the DRC’s National Digital Plan “Horizon 2025,” which prioritizes developing robust digital infrastructure to improve connectivity.
This comes amidst stark statistics highlighting the country’s digital divide; as of mid-2023, only 30.79% of the population had mobile Internet access, and fixed Internet coverage was almost non-existent at 0.0174%.
The United Nations’ 2024 “E-Government Survey” underscored this disparity, placing the DRC’s telecom infrastructure index far below the African average.
The partnership with Monacosat offers a viable alternative to the delayed fiber optic network expansion, which requires approximately 50,000 kilometers of additional cabling.
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If finalized, the collaboration will leverage Monacosat’s TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT satellite, operational in Africa, to enhance Internet access across the DRC.
This improved connectivity promises significant benefits in education, healthcare, and public services, potentially transforming millions of lives.
“This project is not just about technology; it’s about empowering communities and driving development,” Minister Maliba said
