Congo Backs $400M Satellite Deal to Bridge Digital Divide

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has moved to tackle one of the world’s steepest connectivity gaps with a $400 million satellite internet partnership. The project, part of the government’s Digital Horizon 2025 strategy, combines fiber-optic expansion with satellite technology to accelerate access nationwide.

Beyond Fibre Delays

DRC’s national plan originally targeted a 50,000-kilometre fibre backbone, but less than 10,000 kilometres have been deployed so far. Officials say relying only on fibre would leave many regions without service for decades. To bridge that gap, Kinshasa has approved both Elon Musk’s Starlink service and a new partnership with Monacosat. This Monaco-based operator plans to launch the Monacosat-2 series of high-capacity satellites.

Unlike simple bandwidth leasing, the deal involves building new infrastructure. Ground stations and control systems are expected to be located in Congo, allowing local engineers to gain expertise and giving the country greater sovereignty over its networks.

Economic and Regional Significance

Officials describe the Monacosat agreement as not only a technology upgrade but also a step toward economic independence. By co-building satellite and ground infrastructure, the country aims to create jobs and keep more revenue at home. The plan echoes moves in other African nations, such as Tanzania’s recent steps to assert control over its natural resources and infrastructure.

With six steerable gateways per satellite, the system is designed to provide flexible coverage nationwide. If successful, it could position Congo as a pioneer in digital sovereignty on the continent.

Connecting People Where It Matters Most

Only one in three Congolese currently has access to mobile internet. For students in rural areas, doctors in remote clinics, and small entrepreneurs, this gap limits opportunities. Starlink’s current price of around $50 per month plus equipment puts it out of reach for most households.

Monacosat’s system, by contrast, is expected to deliver affordable connections tailored to local needs. Multi-spot beams will prioritise underserved regions, enabling schools to expand e-learning, clinics to use telehealth, and farmers to access market information.

Investor Confidence

The financing structure is still being finalised, but interest is growing. Nigeria’s Fidelity Bank has signalled support, forming a joint task force with Congo’s Ministry of Digital Economy to explore funding options. The bank also plans to open a Kinshasa subsidiary focused on digital inclusion, a sign of growing investor confidence.

Institutional Reform

The government has recently created a dedicated Ministry of Digital Economy to coordinate projects like Monacosat and Starlink under a new legal framework. Observers see this as a step toward stronger governance and accountability, long-standing challenges in the sector.

Looking Ahead

The Monacosat-2 satellites are designed to deliver up to 200 Gbps of broadband capacity, with rollout expected to cover both urban centres and rural communities. While final consumer pricing has yet to be announced, the ambition is clear: to ensure that the benefits of connectivity extend beyond major cities and reach ordinary households.

For Congo, the satellite deal represents more than a technology upgrade. It is a test of whether bold investment, backed by governance reforms and regional partnerships, can turn digital aspirations into reality for a nation of over 105 million people.