Congo: Telecom operators have two months to finalize SIM identification
October 23rd 2025
The Congolese telecoms regulator has already repeatedly issued formal notices to operators regarding subscriber identification. Other African countries such as Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, and Senegal have recently conducted campaigns that have led to the deactivation of non-compliant SIM cards.
The French Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Agency (ARPCE) has granted mobile phone operators MTN and Airtel an additional two months to finalize SIM card identification, according to current regulations. This decision follows a study conducted by the regulator, the results of which were presented on Tuesday, October 21.
Nationally, ARPCE data indicates that only 9.13% of SIM cards identified in 2025 were correctly activated, compared to 13.20% in 2024. “Only the localities of Kinkala and Djambala complied 100% with the identification requirements. In other cities such as Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Dolisie, Ouesso, Pokola, Ngo, Tchamba-Nzassi, Madigou Kayes, Loudima, Bouansa, Loutété and Nkayi, all SIM cards are sold without presentation of identity documents and are often pre-activated ,” said Benjamin Mouandza, director of electronic communication networks and services at ARPCE, according to the Congolese Information Agency (ACI) .
The regulator believes that operators failed to require supporting documentation when purchasing SIM cards, thereby authorizing the acquisition of unidentified cards. The operators, for their part, point the finger at the distribution chain. They explain that they have formal contracts with distributors, who in turn rely on resellers. It is these resellers who sell pre-activated or unidentified SIM cards.
The operators have committed to sanctioning any resellers that fail to comply with subscriber identification regulations. They themselves remain under threat of sanctions. Last March, the regulator warned them that future sanctions would go beyond simple formal notices if the new audit revealed irregularities. The current regulations also provide for a fine equivalent to 1% of their declared turnover during the last financial year, an amount that can be doubled in the event of a repeat offense.
The lack of rigorous identity control exposes networks to increased risks of fraud and crime. In a report published last June, Interpol explained that cyberattacks continue to intensify in Africa amid rapid digital transformation, marked by increased connectivity and the widespread adoption of technologies such as mobile banking and e-commerce. The organization estimates that between 2019 and 2025, cybersecurity incidents on the continent resulted in financial losses of more than $3 billion.
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