The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a $1.5 billion national plan aimed at accelerating its transition into a digital and artificial intelligence-driven economy by 2030.
Known as the National Digital Plan 2026–2030 (PNN2), the strategy seeks to build on the progress of the previous plan, which achieved about 60% of its targets, including new e-government platforms and expanded fiber-optic networks.
According to the government, the new plan will be financed through $1 billion in domestic investment and $500 million in external funding already secured. It outlines four main pillars: expanding digital infrastructure, developing public digital platforms, strengthening human capital, and improving cybersecurity and trust in digital systems.
The DRC also introduced its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, with a focus on promoting local innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and technological sovereignty. As part of this effort, the government plans to establish a Congolese Academy of Artificial Intelligence to train professionals, support applied research, and nurture startups in emerging technologies.
Authorities believe the initiative will not only create thousands of skilled jobs but also enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusion across public services. The plan aims to make the DRC a digital hub in Central Africa, leveraging its vast reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt and copper—key components in global digital and energy technologies.
Industry experts estimate that, with the right investment, the country’s digital economy could generate an additional $4.1 billion by 2029.
