Fiber optic cable connection in Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC is rapidly expanding its fiber optic network through national and regional projects, connecting major cities and integrating with neighboring countries.

Key National Projects

The DRC has launched a €66.55 million fiber optic project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Congolese government. This initiative includes 600 kilometers of fiber optic cable linking the DRC with Cameroon and the Central African Republic, alongside a state-of-the-art National Data Centre in Brazzaville. The project aims to enhance digital sovereignty, allowing local data management without relying on servers in Europe or the U.S., and is expected to boost internet penetration from 17.4% toward continental averages (43%) and global levels (68.6%) by providing infrastructure for telecoms, banks, and insurance companies (Nairametrics, 2024) .

Regional and Eastern Expansion

In the eastern regions, Bandwidth and Cloud Services Group (BCS), supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), is deploying a fiber-optic backbone to provide high-speed broadband to over 2.5 million people. This network will connect homes, schools, and hospitals, improving access to digital services and supporting economic and educational development. The project is part of the EU's Global Gateway strategy, with BCS planning to build 12,000 kilometers of fiber in the DRC as part of a broader 20,000 km regional network (EIB, 2023) .

Private Sector and Strategic Backbones

Facebook, in partnership with the DRC government, has commissioned a 5,745 km fiber optic backbone to connect major cities and support high-capacity, high-speed connections. This backbone is designed to meet engineering standards for durability and network quality, including proper burial depth and geotechnical assessments, ensuring long-term reliability (Sofrecom) .

Operational Fiber Links

The Fast Congo fiber network, operated by Paratus Group, has activated a 620-kilometer link between Muanda and Kinshasa, connecting the DRC to Angola, Zambia, and the broader southern African network. This network is integrated with Paratus' pan-African infrastructure, including data centers and satellite connectivity, providing high-speed, high-capacity services across the region (Paratus Africa, 2023) .

Regional Integration

The DRC is also part of a 10,000 km regional fiber-optic backbone spanning five countries—DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique—aimed at connecting schools, hospitals, and government institutions, significantly improving connectivity in previously underserved areas (EU Global Gateway) .

Summary

The DRC's fiber optic initiatives combine national, regional, and private sector efforts to expand high-speed connectivity, improve digital services, and integrate the country into Central and Southern Africa's digital infrastructure. These projects are strategically important for economic development, education, healthcare, and regional digital integration.