Congo Democratic Republic supports a $400 million satellite agreement to address digital shortage
DR Congo is set to experience a digital revolution, as the government partners with Monacosat, a Monaco-based satellite operator, and Elon Musk's Starlink, to bring broadband internet to the country.
Last month, Kinshasa created a new Ministry of Digital Economy, tasked with coordinating new projects such as Monacosat and Starlink under a fresh legal framework. The government of DR Congo approved Starlink's operation in the country three months prior, unlocking new digital horizons for remote communities.
The Monacosat plan envisions ground infrastructure including control and telemetry stations and rural connectivity links, with additional applications for education, health, and onshore industries. The aim is to reduce the digital divide in DR Congo, particularly in rural and remote areas where telecommunications infrastructure remains insufficient.
Fidelity Bank of Nigeria has shown interest in supporting the Monacosat deal and is setting up a joint task force with DR Congo's Ministry of Digital Economy to explore funding mechanisms. However, the financing structure of the Monacosat project remains unclear. The European Investment Bank has already provided up to 400 million dollars for the Monacosat satellite project.
Starlink, which operates in DR Congo, is currently too expensive for most Congolese users, priced around $50 a month with around $200 in equipment costs. This has been a challenge in a country where digital connectivity remains limited, with DR Congo being one of the least digitally connected nations in Africa.
Meanwhile, the ambitious national fiber optic plan has repeatedly stalled due to financing and governance gaps, leaving large swaths of the country dependent on mobile operators. The Monacosat project presents a promising alternative to bridge this digital divide.
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This marks a significant step forward for DR Congo in its quest for digital connectivity, and the potential benefits are immense. As the project progresses, more details about the funding, infrastructure, and pricing will become clear, paving the way for a more connected DR Congo.
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