Congo: the government invested $6.7 million in two years to connect Schools to the Internet

January 12th 2024

Africa, Congo, Internet

Official statistics show that 5.7 million people are connected to the mobile Internet in Congo. This represents a penetration rate of 57.1%.

The Congolese government has invested around four billion CFA francs (6.7 million USD) between 2021 and 2023 to connect 150 “  white zones  ” and 19 schools to the Internet. These achievements were recalled during the second ordinary session of the Committee of the Fund for Universal Access and Service of Electronic Communications (FASUCE) which was held last week.

Made through FASUCE, this investment is part of the Congolese government’s ambition to improve electronic communications coverage and reduce the digital divide in the country. The country connected to its second international fiber optic submarine cable last August. Construction work on a second national fiber optic backbone with a capacity of ten gigabits is also underway.

Furthermore, the Fund for Universal Access and Service of Electronic Communications has set itself the objective of connecting more than 100 schools, interconnecting ministries and public institutions over the next five years. The institution counts on the support of the World Bank and other local partners.

“  FASUCE is a tool to support the digital inclusion of the entire population. Its aim is to enable different populations, throughout the national territory, to benefit fully, without any discrimination, from the services offered by electronic communications  ,” declared the Post and Electronic Communications Regulatory Agency (ARPCE). ).

As a reminder, Congo had 3.27 million subscribers to mobile Internet services in October 2023 for a market share of 57.1%, according to the latest data from ARPCE. The number of subscribers to mobile telephone services was 5.8 million.

Source: Agence Ecofin Back