The Democratic Republic of Congo has partnered with Monaco’s Monacosat to deploy a satellite telecommunications network aimed at enhancing internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas. This collaboration is part of the DRC’s Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan, targeting the improvement of digital infrastructure amid current challenges of low connectivity rates. Key plans include utilizing existing satellite capacity to connect millions of citizens and expand access to essential services.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently formalized a partnership with Monaco’s prominent satellite operator, Monacosat, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to explore the deployment of a satellite telecommunications network throughout the DRC, leveraging Monacosat’s satellite capacity to improve connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved regions. The Congolese Ministry of ICT emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step toward diminishing the digital divide that currently affects many parts of the nation. The DRC’s Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan is a strategic framework that seeks to construct robust digital infrastructure across the country, thereby enhancing nationwide connectivity. Moreover, this initiative aims to build on a recent collaboration with the Polish government, which is working to accelerate the advancement of digital networks in the region. Despite these government efforts, the DRC still faces significant challenges related to low connectivity rates—the latest statistics indicated that only 30.79% of the population had access to mobile internet as of June 30, 2023. The United Nations’ E-Government Survey 2024 further illuminates the disparities within the DRC, revealing that the country’s telecommunications infrastructure development index is a mere 0.1591, starkly below the African average of 0.4534. Should negotiations between the DRC and Monacosat prove fruitful, plans include the enhancement of satellite coverage in the DRC utilizing the TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT satellite, which is already operational in Africa. This initiative is poised to connect millions of Congolese citizens and facilitate improved access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and various digital public services, all while mitigating delays in the expansion of the fibre optic network that necessitates approximately 50,000 kilometers of additional coverage.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently grappling with a significant digital divide, particularly affecting its rural and remote areas. Access to internet services is disproportionately low, which poses challenges to socioeconomic development. In light of these issues, the DRC government is seeking innovative solutions to improve connectivity, particularly through satellite technology. The partnership with Monacosat is part of a broader national strategy that includes ongoing collaborations with international partners, such as the Polish government, aimed at expanding digital infrastructure across the nation and fostering inclusive growth.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Monacosat marks a significant step toward enhancing satellite connectivity in the DRC. By deploying satellite telecommunications networks, this initiative has the potential to bridge the digital divide, providing millions of Congolese with essential access to digital services. While challenges remain, particularly concerning the low current connectivity rates, this collaboration aligns with the DRC’s broader ambitions outlined in its Horizon 2025 National Digital Plan, promising to foster a more inclusive digital future for the nation.
Original Source: broadcastmediaafrica.com
