Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
The Republic of Congo has achieved a major milestone in its digital transformation agenda with the activation of 20 broadband connectivity sites in rural areas. The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, marks tangible progress in narrowing the digital divide between urban and rural communities and improving national internet accessibility. The new installations are part of the Digital Transformation Accelerator Project (PATN), an ambitious government-led program co-financed by the World Bank and the European Union with a total investment of USD 100 million.
The project’s goal is to deploy 76 high-speed internet sites across the country by the end of 2025, bringing reliable connectivity to underserved regions. Minister Léon Juste Ibombo confirmed that 66 sites have already been constructed and equipped, with 20 now fully operational. The remaining 56 sites are in advanced stages of development, with phased commissioning expected in the coming months. The government has also allocated an additional USD 3 million to upgrade existing technologies, prioritizing 4G to ensure higher network quality and performance. The World Bank Africa Region delegation, led by Heri Andrianasy, visited Brazzaville for a mid-term evaluation of PATN.
The review assessed the progress made since the program’s inception two years ago and identified areas for optimization to guarantee project completion within the set timeframe. Discussions between the Ministry and the World Bank underscored the program’s strategic importance to Congo’s digital economy and its potential to transform access to online services. Once completed, the project is expected to deliver high-speed internet to remote communities, unlocking new economic and social opportunities. Residents in rural areas will gain access to e-government platforms, online education, digital marketplaces, and communication tools that connect them to broader regional and global networks.
Beyond physical infrastructure, PATN also focuses on strengthening government capacities in digital governance and expanding access to public digital services. This dual objective ensures that connectivity investments are matched by institutional readiness to manage, secure, and sustain digital systems effectively. The initiative is closely aligned with Congo’s Digital Strategy 2030, which is currently being finalized with World Bank support. The strategy outlines the country’s long-term vision for digital sovereignty, technological innovation, and human capital development. Once formally approved, it is expected to unlock further international funding to accelerate the country’s digital transition.
The Ministry emphasized that expanding rural broadband is not only a technical achievement but also a social and economic catalyst. By connecting remote areas, the government aims to promote inclusion, improve service delivery, and create new pathways for entrepreneurship and education. As implementation accelerates toward the 2025 deadline, the Digital Transformation Accelerator Project positions Congo as a growing player in Africa’s digital revolution, determined to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, benefits from the opportunities of a connected future.
