en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has officially launched early market engagement for an international tender to build and operate a national fiber optic backbone network spanning over 11,500 kilometers. This network is the core infrastructure of its Digital Transformation Project (PTN) and will eventually include 1,500 kilometers of international connectivity links.

The project has secured $400 million in financing from the World Bank and €100 million in co-financing from the French Development Agency (AFD), totaling approximately $510 million. On June 19, 2026, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs José Mpanda chaired an early market engagement workshop in Kinshasa, bringing together telecom operators, investors, and technical and financial partners to prepare for the upcoming international tender.

The backbone network will connect neighboring countries including Angola, Uganda, Burundi, and the Central African Republic. The project aims to strengthen digital infrastructure, reduce internet costs, and enhance network resilience. Plans include extending mobile coverage to 650 communities, benefiting over 30 million Congolese citizens, and connecting townships and public institutions to improve digital public services. The pilot phase includes connecting 35 administrative offices in Kinshasa and conducting regional connectivity trials across 44 offices in seven provinces.

The government will also support the deployment of 4G and 5G equipment through the Universal Service Fund, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. The international tender has not yet been formally issued; the June 19 workshop was part of the market consultation phase aimed at refining technical, financial, and contractual proposals.

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