The Democratic Republic of Congo has approved a $400 million satellite initiative aimed at reducing the country’s severe digital divide. The project, developed in partnership with Monaco-based operator Monacosat, will fund the construction of new satellites and ground infrastructure to bring internet connectivity to underserved regions.
The government hopes the effort will accelerate its stalled “Digital Horizon 2025” strategy, which has struggled due to delays in the rollout of fibre-optic cables. Currently, only about one in three Congolese citizens has access to mobile internet.
Monacosat, co-owned by Turkmenistan’s government, plans to launch its next-generation Monacosat-2 satellites and build local ground stations to support the network. Nigeria’s Fidelity Bank has been identified as one of the financiers of the initiative, though the exact structure of the funding remains unclear.
Officials argue that satellite connectivity is the fastest way to bridge the infrastructure gap, particularly for remote communities. The government recently created a Ministry of Digital Economy to oversee such projects and has instructed agencies to prioritize satellite solutions while fibre deployment lags.
The new project will also compete with Starlink, which gained approval to operate in DR Congo earlier this year. However, Starlink’s monthly subscription of $50, plus an upfront equipment cost of about $200, makes it unaffordable for most households. It remains uncertain how Monacosat’s services will be priced and whether they will be accessible to the wider population.
By embracing satellite technology, DR Congo hopes to extend digital access to millions of citizens, improve public services like education and healthcare, and attract investment in its digital economy.
